Dick Vitale, a broadcasting legend, has been declared cancer-free and may soon return to work.
For 41 years, Vitale has been a fixture in college basketball broadcasting.
On Wednesday, Dick Vitale, the renowned college basketball commentator, disclosed some encouraging updates following his visit to the vocal cord specialist.
After consulting with his doctor, Steven Zeitels, Vitale learned that his vocal cords are cancer-free.
Soon, Vitale could be back courtside with a headset on, according to Zeitels' belief.
"I'm feeling emotional after a scope of my vocal cords by Dr. ZEITELS. He informed me that my vocal cords are cancer-free and I can return to my passion for being at courtside for @espn," Vitale shared on X with photos of himself in the doctor's chair.
Despite being 85 years old and facing battles with cancer such as melanoma, lymphoma, and laryngeal cancer, Vitale has not lost his passion for college basketball.
In December 2024, Vitale declared that he was cancer-free, but it was uncertain if he would return to courtside to call some of the nation's top college basketball games.
After his checkup with Zeitels, it is significant that he wants to entertain fans with his enthusiastic broadcasting on game days.
Zeitels said in a video on Vitale's Facebook Watch, 'Dick, you’re back! Your vocal cords are not going to hold you up.'
"We've been on this journey for a while now. I never thought we'd make it here, but we have. And you're ready to reunite with your audience, the athletes, and ESPN. You're ready to be with everyone again."
Zeitels' words triggered an emotional response in Vitale, and the doctor, having experienced similar circumstances, provided comfort.
After spending time coaching at various levels, including high school and the NBA, Dickie V has been a college basketball broadcaster for 41 years.
East Rutherford High School's head coach, a New Jersey native, previously coached at Garfield High School and led his alma mater to two New Jersey state titles.
After coaching as an assistant at Rutgers, Vitale went on to become the head coach at the University of Detroit. He then remained in Michigan to coach the Pistons from 1978-79.
After coaching the Pistons, Vitale joined ESPN and called its first-ever college basketball game in 1979, where DePaul beat Wisconsin. Since then, he has been a prominent figure in the sport.
Every college basketball fan eagerly anticipates Vitale's return to his love.
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