Basketball sportscaster Dick Vitale. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN's Dick Vitale out of hospital, resting voice after surgery

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/16/22

Beloved ESPN college basketball announcer Dick Vitale announced last month that he would miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season after Massachusetts General Hospital throat specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels diagnosed Vitale with "pre-cancerous Dysplasia on the vocal cords" that would ultimately force the 82-year-old to go under the knife.

Vitale, who has also recently battled cancer, took to social media Wednesday to confirm he underwent successful surgery and now needs four weeks "of total voice rest to help the healing process."

Vitale was initially shut down in December because of issues with his vocal cords but noted at that time he was "cured from melanoma." Following his latest operation, he tweeted that he had been released from the hospital:

I just was released from at Mass General Hospital ! ⁦@MGH⁩ is #awesomebaby Thank You for your outstanding service . pic.twitter.com/hNbG8BSU4N
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 16, 2022

Yes ⁦@WheelsUp⁩ is #awesomebaby ⁦@KennyDichter⁩ ⁦@TheMontagGroup⁩ #goingUP #UPthewayyoufly pic.twitter.com/ZCXOY6PE0q
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 16, 2022

Vitale has reiterated earlier claims and said that Dr. Zeitels believes he can get the broadcaster back to the sidelines to call games at some point during the 2022-23 campaign. Per TMZ Sports, Vitale is in good hands, as his doctor has previously treated music superstars such as Adele and Steven Tyler for similar voice-related setbacks.

Here's hoping Vitale can enjoy the standing ovation he deserves while inside of an arena when college basketball resumes next fall.

More must-reads: