Veteran ESPN basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has revealed he is facing his fifth battle with cancer. The 86-year-old, known affectionately as 'Dickie V', announced on Monday that biopsy results confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
In a statement released by ESPN, Mr Vitale expressed his characteristic optimism. 'I've beaten melanoma... I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal-cord cancer. I've beaten lymph-node cancer. I'm four for four and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it five for five,' he said. He is set to begin immunotherapy for the latest diagnosis.
Mr Vitale shared on social media that he had undergone ten days of extensive testing, including scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and a biopsy. He admitted he did not receive the report he was hoping for, but affirmed his intention to 'win the battle'. His previous health struggles had led to a two-year absence from broadcasting before a return in 2025.
A fixture in college basketball commentary, Mr Vitale joined ESPN at its launch in 1979 and holds a contract through the 2027-28 season. Despite his health challenges, he frequently expresses how 'lucky' he feels to continue working. He also used his statement to highlight his fundraising efforts for pediatric cancer research, notably the annual Dick Vitale Gala, which has raised over $105 million in two decades.
