Legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale announced Wednesday that “some abnormalities” were discovered after the 86-year-old underwent a series of scans last week. He is scheduled for a biopsy on Friday.
“Like countless others, each time I go for any kind of test I am a nervous wreck,” Vitale, who has been battling cancer since 2021, said in a statement issued by ESPN. “The latest example is my scans last week. The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next and it can be surprising or scary. While I feel great physically and mentally, I heard from doctors that the latest tests (a PET scan, CAT scan and two MRIs) showed some abnormalities.
“They are recommending some additional testing to determine next steps,” Vitale added in his statement. “I’m hoping for the best, and we will see what the roadmap looks like after the upcoming biopsy.”
Vitale, 86, was diagnosed with melanoma and lymphoma in 2021 and vocal cord cancer in 2023. He also underwent surgery to address lymph node cancer in 2024. He returned to broadcasting last year and called a First Four game last month between North Carolina State and Texas alongside Charles Barkley.
“Our teammate. Our friend. We love you, @DickieV. In your corner, always,” ESPN posted on X.
A native of Passaic, New Jersey, who coached college and pro basketball, Vitale debuted with ESPN during the 1979-80 college basketball season. He became one of college basketball’s most popular broadcasters and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. He lives in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., with his wife, Lorraine.
“As always,” Vitale said in the statement, “I plan to remain as active as ever and fight as hard as can be.”
