Dick Vitale Says He Must Undergo Additional Vocal Cord Surgeries This Summer

The 84-year-old Vitale is hoping to be ready for his 45th season with ESPN this fall.

Legendary ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale announced on Thursday morning that he will be undergoing additional vocal cord surgeries this summer, but hopes to be ready for his 45th college basketball season this fall.

“Rec’d some bad news, but when I realize it is minor to what some face daily I will fight to recover,” Vitale’s tweet began. “Dr. Zeitels acclaimed vocal cord surgeon has informed me my past issues on my vocal cords have returned. I must have 2 surgeries this summer - 1st July 11 need ur [prayers].

“The biggest challenge is that I am currently on voice rest in preparation for surgery on July 11 & post surgery I must be on total voice rest for 6-8 weeks in recovery. That part is so frustrating as I feel trapped not being able to express myself. The positive news Dr. Z is optimistic to have me ready for my 45th yr on ESPN. A big thank you to CEO. Jimmy Pitaro of ESPN & all my colleagues for their fantastic support. My biggest fear is that it will hurt me in raising $$$ for kids vs cancer [The V Foundation] -also I will NEVER GIVE UP!”

Wertheim: Dickie V Can’t Be Silenced

The vocal cord issues for Vitale caused him to miss chunks of the 2021–22 college basketball season. Vitale underwent surgery in Feb. of ’22 for dysplasia on his vocal cords, but returned to the airwaves on a full time basis this past college basketball season for ESPN. He is hopeful that despite his latest diagnosis, that he will return for a full schedule once again in the fall.

The 84-year-old Vitale also overcame melanoma and lymphoma diagnoses in ’21 prior to his dysplasia, and is in remission for both of those prior illnesses.