Dick Vitale: What happened to| College basketball| illness

Dick Vitale, also known as “Dickie V”, is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known for his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.

Dick Vitale: What happened to| College basketball| illness

What happened to:

College basketball analyst Dick Vitale will not return to ESPN’s airwaves this season as he continues to rest his voice and prepares for surgery to treat dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cords.

In a story posted to ESPN Front Row on Monday, Vitale wrote that he had a follow-up visit with Massachusetts General Hospital throat specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels and was advised to give his voice “an even longer ‘T.O., Baby!'” in anticipation of undergoing surgery in the near term.

“While I’m heartbroken that I won’t appear on ESPN for the rest of this season, I’m encouraged by the progress,” Vitale said, noting that going on vocal rest the past three weeks reduced the inflammation in his throat by 60 percent.

College Basketball:

One of ESPN’s longest-tenured and most recognizable voices will be off the air for the remainder of the year. Dick Vitale, who has called college basketball games on ESPN for the last 40-plus years, announced he won’t return to the booth this season as he recovers from Dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cord.

Vitale made the announcement on ESPN Front Row, and said after meeting with a throat specialist, he’ll need surgery, which will happen at a later date. The 82-year-old said his prognosis is good and that he’s encouraged by the progress.

Illness:

He had previously been diagnosed with melanoma over the summer, but was said to be cancer-free.

“You know I am an eternal optimist who acts like he’s a teenager. Yet there is no doubt these past five months have been emotionally and physically frustrating,” Vitale said. “I am so appreciative of the love and care demonstrated by the incredible members of the medical community.