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Dick Vitale cleared to call games amid cancer battle

By Scott Rogust

Feb 1, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN announced that college basketball analyst Dick Vitale has been cleared to call games as he receives cancer treatment.

The college basketball world received concerning news back in October, as analyst Dick Vitale revealed that he was diagnosed with lymphoma. One month later, ESPN and Vitale had some good news to share.

ESPN PR announced on Thursday night that Vitale has been cleared by his doctors to begin calling his 43rd season of college basketball with the network. His first game will be a huge one, as he will call the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. the No. 2 UCLA Bruins this coming Tuesday.

Dick Vitale receives doctors clearance to call college basketball this season

"“My family and I are absolutely jumping with joy,” said Vitale, via ESPN Front Row. “Knowing I’ll be courtside with all my buddies and calling Number 1 versus 2, this is the best medicine I could ask for. To all of you, I simply say ‘thank you from the bottom of my heart’ for your prayers and messages, phone calls and texts.“They gave me energy and lifted me up at a time that is not fun city – chemo for six months. To my ESPN family, starting with Jimmy Pitaro – I love you all. I’m so proud to start my 43rd year on Tuesday. Lastly, to the fans – you have given me a career that has exceeded any dream I’ve ever had.”"

As Vitale mentions in his statement, he will be calling games in the middle of his treatment plan, where he will undergo six months of chemotherapy. On Tuesday, Vitale revealed on Twitter that he was discharged from the hospital after a day of chemotherapy.

Prior to his lymphoma diagnosis, Vitale underwent surgeries to remove melanoma back in August.

For those interested in listening to Vitale call his first game of the 2021-22 season, Gonzaga vs. UCLA tips off at 10:00 p.m. ET this Tuesday, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

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