'Miracle' to be on ESPN
Share and Follow

Dick Vitale was emotional while discussing his battle with cancer on Saturday night.

The famous commentator announced the game for ESPN when Duke secured a 73-62 victory against Louisville in the ACC Tournament final. During his broadcast, he became emotional and shed tears while speaking with viewers.

“It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys,” Vitale said. “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, 85, announced in December that he is cancer-free after four battles with the disease in just three years.

Saturday was the only ACC Tournament game Vitale called, as doctors advised him not to call more than one game a week after undergoing multiple vocal cord surgeries.

He had cancerous lymph nodes removed from his neck last summer and was treated for melanoma and lymphoma before that.

Last year, Vitale underwent radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer.

“It’s my last game this year and I’m praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better,” Vitale said. “I hope and pray my doctor really helps me with my voice.”


Dick Vitale
Dick Vitale announced in December that he is cancer-free. AP

Dick Vitale (middle) speaks on ESPN's broadcast of the ACC tournament championship game on March 15, 2025.
Dick Vitale (middle) speaks on ESPN’s broadcast of the ACC tournament championship game on March 15, 2025. X / @awfulannouncing

Vitale also took a moment to thank his ESPN colleagues.

“I want to thank all the fans, all the people that have been so beautiful, all my people at ESPN tolerating and putting up with me in terms of my issues I’ve had,” Vitale said. “You’ve been great.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Collapsed gangway knocks out power at Fernandina Harbor Marina

Port Marina at Fernandina Harbor loses electricity due to fallen gangway.

The gangway collapsed Friday night during a fireworks show, plunging spectators into…
How to prepare your pets for when a hurricane makes it rain cats and dogs

Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane: Tips for Keeping Them Safe in a Storm

HOUSTON (AP) — Getting ready for a hurricane’s landfall means making sure…
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexico’s President Sheinbaum wants boxer Chávez Jr., who was deported, to be imprisoned in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico hadn’t…
What to drink over coffee... after study finds it may cause blindness

Alternatives to Coffee: Options to Consider After Study Suggests Link to Blindness

If you can’t get through the day without a dose of caffeine…
Heartbroken family of late soccer player Diogo Jota arrives at funeral in Portugal

Diogo Jota’s grieving family attends his funeral in Portugal

Liverpool players had come together in the quaint Portuguese town of Gondomar…
Road rage incident leaves girl, 5, shot in leg -- and the bullet in her sippy cup

Violent confrontation on the road results in a 5-year-old girl getting shot in the leg, with the bullet ending up in her drinking cup.

A 5-year-old girl was shot through the leg — with the bullet…
Club World Cup 2025: How to watch Quarterfinal

2025 Club World Cup: Guide to Watching Quarterfinals

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Inside China's horrifying torture jails

“Exploring the Reality of China’s Detention Facilities”

Mass sterilisation, mysterious injections, organ extractions and gang rape – these are…