Dick Vitale Makes Decision On ESPN Career After Receiving Incredible Health News

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 12:04 PM ET

Dick Vitale is nearing his return to work.

Last month, the decorated college basketball broadcaster announced that scans showed he was cancer-free. Vitale underwent surgery in the summer to treat a cancerous lymph node in his neck.

At the end of December, Vitale told Seth Davis that his return to covering games depended on a scoping of his vocal cords. He received more welcome news from that appointment on Wednesday morning.

Vitale revealed that he's cleared to call college hoops games again.

"Just had scope of my vocal cords & I was very emotional with the great report by Dr. Zeitels," Vitale wrote on social media. "He said the vocal cords are cancer free & he feels I can return to my love of being at courtside for ESPN."

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Sportscaster Dick Vitale broadcasts before a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament between the Santa Clara Broncos and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gonzaga won 77-68. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Vitale also shared a video on Facebook detailing his long road to recovery alongside Dr. Zeitels. The 85-year-old said he had five "major operations" and around 65 radiation treatments. He praised his doctor for "never quitting" and "never giving up."

"There is no evidence of cancer anywhere in the voice box," Zeitels said. "It's pretty amazing at this point ... The cancer that we treated, it is completely resolved, and the radiation helped. There's no question about it. At this point, your vocal function is outstanding. I haven't heard your voice like this in a while."

Vitale teared up when saying that Zeitels spoke to his ESPN bosses to clear him for courtside work.

"Dick, you're back," Zeitels told him. "And your vocal cords are not going to hold you up. No question about it. We've been down this road a long time. I didn't know we could get here, but we are here. And you're ready to be with your viewers, players, ESPN. You're ready to be with everyone again."

An emotional Vitale thanked his doctor for getting him through his fourth cancer diagnosis. Vitale also battled lymphoma and melanoma in 2021. He was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer for the first of two times in 2023.

"I can't wait," Vitale replied. "I owe him everything. He's awesome, baby. With a capital A."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: