LOOK: John Calipari sends Dick Vitale powerful message ahead of Notre Dame game
Dick Vitale is one of the most beloved figures in not just the college basketball world, but the sports world as a whole. His voice has been the soundtrack to amazing moments, but a battle with cancer has hindered his availability in 2021.
On Saturday, John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats are in South Bend, taking on the Fighting Irish. During normal circumstances, Vitale would be right there with him. Still, Calipari showed how much Vitale means to the sport, sending Vitale a powerful message from Notre Dame.
“I am so touched (tears flow). I just received text from John Calipari as he is on the Notre Dame campus tonight getting ready for game vs. Notre Dame Mens Basketball. He visited my favorite place on campus The Grotto & sent me pic of candle he lit praying for my recovery from cancer,” tweeted Vitale. “Thanks CAL!”
As you can see, Vitale was emotional regarding Calipari’s touching tribute. Even with his team preparing for an important game on Saturday, the Kentucky coach was able to spare some time to send Vitale good wishes.
It’s a tremendous gesture, and one that warmed the heart of a man in a heck of a fight.
Dick Vitale updates health following latest cancer treatment
Furthermore, Dick Vitale updated the world on his health prior to revaling John Calipari’s heart-warming gesture. This is some good news, baby. According to the man himself, Dickie V is getting back behind the microphone.
The ESPN analyst tweeted an update on his cancer treatment, revealing he’s good to go to keep calling games. It’s great news — especially since it means he’ll be on the horn on Sunday when the magnificent matchup between Baylor and Villanova goes down.
“Just [received] a text from Dr Brown who is in charge of my cancer treatment,” Vitale tweeted Friday night. “‘Blood count’s fine. Go call some games.’ Love it baby -Time to celebrate now with my wife & get a [great] Italian meal. My new life waiting for blood count results is needed [and I] have a terrific medical TEAM.”
Vitale was diagnosed with lymphoma in October. It’s his second cancer diagnosis this year after he beat melanoma. He’s working through his treatment, though, and was on the call for Dayton’s stunning, buzzer-beating upset of Kansas earlier this year.
Luckily, we can hear Vitale on the sideline for No. 2 Baylor vs. No. 6 Villanova this weekend. The two squads will be looking for an all-important victory, tipping off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.