ESPN's Dick Vitale out for rest of season, hopes to return for 2022-23 campaign

Legendary ESPN college basketball personality Dick Vitale unveiled in late December that he was taking a break from calling games to rest his voice after Massachusetts General Hospital throat specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels diagnosed the 82-year-old with "pre-cancerous Dysplasia on the vocal cords." 

Vitale, who has recently undergone cancer treatment, offered an update on his status for ESPN's Front Row on Monday and confirmed he's being shut down for the remainder of the season. 

"Dr. Z. delivered the news that even though the rest really helped, I need to give my voice an even longer 'T.O., Baby!' And there is no doubt I will soon need surgery to solve my Dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cords," Vitale said. His next follow-up visit is scheduled for Feb. 16, and he expects to have surgery at some point after that date. 

"My throat’s condition is clearly moving in the right direction, and Dr. Z. is very optimistic that this can be successfully treated to have me strong for the 2022-23 season on ESPN," Vitale added. He vowed to provide additional updates on his status and condition down the road. 

While ESPN college basketball broadcasts won't be the same through the spring, the hope is that fans will hear Vitale's voice again later this year when games resume in the fall.