Dick Vitale shares video message from Kentucky head coach Mark Pope amid renewed fight with cancer

Amid his renewed battle with cancer, legendary college basketball announcer and former head coach Dick Vitale has seen a massive outpouring of love and support. And new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was among the chorus of well wishers, sending a brief video to Vitale.

On Tuesday, Vitale shared the video and expressed his gratitude to hear from Pope, along with so many others among the Kentucky fanbase.

Just received a video message from [Kentucky head coach Mark Pope] about my recent cancer surgery,” Vitale said on social media. “I have received many prayers from BBN fans & they are truly appreciated.”

Just received a video message from @KentuckyMBB @CoachMarkPope about my recent cancer surgery . I have received many prayers from BBN fans & they are truly appreciated . pic.twitter.com/NWHbKaHCoL

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 2, 2024

In the video, Pope kept the message brief and to the point: He and many others love Vitale and want to see him well again and, hopefully, back on the call.

“Coach Vitale, it’s coach Pope at the University of Kentucky,” Pope said. “Listen, I heard that you’re back, engaged in the midst of this struggle and I just want you to know this, man: You have, you know this, but you have so many people around this world that love you, including me, that are cheering for you and praying for you and giving you all the love we possibly can. 

Pope also offered Vitale an open invitation to come stop by a practice, an incentive for the beloved college basketball figure to win yet another fight with cancer.

“Get better soon because you have got to make a trip here to the University of Kentucky to come join of for practice, man,” Pope said. “Come to a game. Let’s go, baby!”

Vitale shared the new diagnosis in late June

After previously announcing he was cancer-free, Vitale announced a new update: A lymph node on his neck showed signs of cancer, and he has surgery scheduled for the first week of July.

“My report on the Biopsy of the Lymph Node in my neck has arrived & it is cancerous,” Vitale said. “With all the [prayers] I have received & the loving support of my family, friends & [ESPN] colleagues I will win this battle. [Prayers] surgery on Tues. will be a success. Thanks for All the prayers.”

Vitale previously beat vocal cord cancer after learning of that diagnosis last summer and missing the 2023-24 season as a result. He also announced his plans to return to the broadcast table in November for the 2024-25 season.

Earlier this week, Vitale said a scan showed a benign lymph node on his neck earlier this week and said his goal was still to don the headset once again this season. However, this new update means the longtime ESPN analyst is again dealing with cancer.

“Today we had a very eventful day starting at 7:30 in the morning with an examination and a scoping of my vocal cords,” Vitale posted on Facebook. “I had a 4 hour major surgery on my vocal cords about 6 weeks ago. Today was to see how I am recovering from the surgery after dealing with cancer on my vocal cords plus the 35 radiation treatments.

“In all, the news was very positive and Dr. Zeitals said the healing process is much better than he anticipated. He now has granted me permission to resume talking but I must be in control & be careful to not overdue it. His goal is that I should be ready to do games on ESPN at the start of the new season in November, 2024.”

In July 2023, Vitale announced his vocal cord cancer diagnosis just before the ESPYS, one year after he accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and gave a heartfelt speech calling on people to help contribute to cancer research.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.