Dick Vitale shared an emotional moment during ESPN’s broadcast of the ACC Tournament championship game on Saturday night. The beloved sports announcer, who has been battling cancer, fought back tears as he spoke to fans after Duke’s 73-62 victory over Louisville.
At 85 years old, Vitale reflected on his recent struggles, saying, “It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys. I can’t tell you how much you’ve meant to me. It’s been unbelievable. A tough three years. Those four cancer battles. I don’t wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks.”
Vitale announced in December that he is now cancer-free after enduring four different battles with the disease over the past three years. His journey included surgeries to remove cancerous lymph nodes, treatments for melanoma and lymphoma, and radiation for vocal cord cancer.
This game was particularly significant for Vitale as it marked the only ACC Tournament game he would call this season. Doctors advised him to limit his appearances due to his health challenges and recent vocal cord surgeries. He expressed hope for his future, saying, “It’s my last game this year and I’m praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better. I hope and pray my doctor really helps me with my voice.”
Vitale took a moment to thank his colleagues at ESPN and the fans who have supported him throughout his battles. He expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I want to thank all the fans, all the people that have been so beautiful, all my people at ESPN tolerating and putting up with me in terms of my issues I’ve had. You’ve been great.”
As he wrapped up his commentary, it was clear that Vitale’s love for basketball and appreciation for his supporters remain strong, even in the face of adversity.