Skip to main content
Join

Dick Vitale speaks out on accident, delayed return to ESPN broadcasts

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•about 11 hours•

NickSchultz_7

Dick Vitale
Ethan Miller | Getty Images

After ESPN announced he would not make his scheduled broadcasting return, Dick Vitale spoke out on the accident that kept him from doing so. He was expected to re-join Dave O’Brien for basketball games on Jan. 25, but that is no longer the case.

Vitale confirmed he suffered a fall and is in the hospital. However, he said he won’t need surgery, which is a good sign as he continues his recovery.

Vitale has been away from the broadcast table after dealing with cancer treatment. He is now considered “cancer-free,” he previously said, and received his clearance Jan. 8 to get back behind the microphone. Instead, he will have to wait a bit longer to make his comeback.

“I’m sorry that [I’m] unable to post about sports but I’m recovering from a tough fall & being kept active at the hospital,” Vitale wrote. “Good news is the neurosurgeons have said I am making great strides & surgery not necessary. So sorry that I can’t get at courtside as was planned.”

Vitale hasn’t called a game for ESPN since the 2023-24 season. He overcame a lengthy battle with lymph node cancer, which kept him away from the microphone, but released a lengthy statement confirming he will no longer call Duke vs. Wake Forest next week.

“I’m sorry to have to share the disappointing news that I won’t be able to call the Duke-Wake Forest game next weekend,” Dick Vitale’s statement read. “Unrelated to any of my cancer scares, I had an accident at my home in Florida, and that has created some new health challenges and near-term physical limitations for me. I’m devastated that I won’t be courtside with my ESPN buddy Dave O’Brien and with all the players and fans, especially because of the overwhelming response I received when news of my planned return was announced. I was anxiously awaiting the chance to feel the excitement and energy of a college basketball environment for the first time in nearly two years.

“Now, I’m just going to have to wait some more. I’m not sure exactly when that will be, yet I’m expected to make a full recovery, and will provide updates when I have more information. Despite this latest setback, I feel blessed to have the support of my family, friends, and ESPN teammates. I’m a lucky guy and as I’ve said before, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back to calling the sport I love. In the meantime, I have to say ‘Go Irish’ on Monday night! Love to all.”