Dick Vitale cancer diagnoses: Sports broadcaster fights back tears on air discussing health battle

American sports broadcaster Dick Vitale has fought back tears after returning to work following a prolonged period of ill health.

Vitale, 85, has been battling multiple cancer diagnoses.

“It’s a miracle to sit here with you guys,” the presenter said on ESPN alongside colleagues Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander.

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“I can’t tell you how much you’ve meant to me. It’s been unbelievable. A tough three years, those four cancer battles.

“I don’t wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks.”

Vitale made his return for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship game on March 15.

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He was clearly grateful to have returned amid so much support.

“Anybody battling cancer, please listen: Think positive, always, and have faith and believe,” he said, urging viewers and listeners to send a “text message, make a phone call” to those suffering cancer.

“It means so much,” he said, “I know it meant a lot to me in my darkest moment when I was in the hospital doing chemo and had a bad, bad day.”

Dick Vitale began his career as a basketball coach before becoming a sports broadcaster.

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He is known for catchphrases such as “This is awesome, baby!” and “diaper dandy”, which means outstanding freshman player.

He has also written 14 books and appeared in several films.

Vitale was diagnosed with lymphoma and melanoma in October 2021.

Vitalie announced that he was undergoing treatment for a new cancer found in one of his lymph nodes via a statement on X in June 2024.

“My report on the Biopsy of the Lymph Node in my neck has arrived & it is cancerous,” he wrote.

“With all the 🙏🙏🙏 I have received & the loving support of my family, friends & @espn colleagues I will win this battle. 🙏🙏🙏 surgery on Tues. will be a success. Thanks for All the prayers.”

Less than a year later Vitale announced he was in remission after being treated for vocal cord cancer after being diagnosed with this latest form of the disease in 2023.

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In 2021 he had battled lymphoma and melanoma and entered remission for these cancers in 2022.

Vitale spent two years aware from the sports desk ahead of his triumphant return.

“It was … fantastic for me to finally do what I love, talking basketball. It was the best medicine I could have ever received. It was #awesomebaby,” he said on Instagram at the time.

Vitale and wife Lorraine McGrath wed in 1971. The couple have two daughters, Terri and Sherri, and five grandchildren.

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