During the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship game, ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale got emotional while discussing his recent battle with cancer. The 85-year-old, who announced in December that he was cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years, expressed gratitude for being able to work alongside his fellow announcers Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander.
As tears welled up in his eyes, Vitale called his presence with his colleagues a miracle and thanked them for their support during the tough years of battling cancer. Despite his raspy voice due to recent treatments, Vitale’s signature youthful energy shone through as he hoped for a return to the broadcast booth next year with improved health.
Vitale, a Basketball Hall of Famer who has been with ESPN since its inception in 1979, is known for his advocacy for cancer research and his close relationship with the late Jim Valvano, a fellow coach and cancer fighter. Valvano’s “Don’t give up” speech at the 1993 ESPYs remains a poignant memory, and Vitale continues to inspire others with his resilience and dedication to the cause.
