Legendary ESPN announcer Dick Vitale fought off tears during Saturday’s ACC semifinal matchup between North Carolina and Duke. The 85-year-old said Saturday’s broadcast would be his last of the season.
Vitale announced in December that he was cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in three years. He returned to college basketball broadcasts in February.
Flanked by fellow commentators Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander, tears appeared in Vitale’s eyes as he addressed the camera on Saturday.
“It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys,” Vitale said. “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 has battled with vocal cord cancer that has limited his presence on broadcasts. He said his medical team advised him to stick to just one game a week as he continues to recover.
“I’m praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better,” said Vitale, whose voice has been particularly raspy in recent months. “I hope and pray my doctor really helps me with my voice.”
Vitale called ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast in 1979. The Hall of Famer has remained with the network since.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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