ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale’s long-awaited return to college basketball airwaves has suffered another setback after an accident at his home, the network announced on Saturday.
Vitale was slated to provide color commentary for Duke vs. Wake Forest on Saturday, Jan. 25, in what would have been his first game since 2023. The hall of fame broadcaster, who has battled multiple forms of cancer over the past few years, announced on Jan. 8 that he was cancer free and ready to return to the sideline.
But just one day after ESPN announced Vitale’s scheduled return for Jan. 25, the network released a statement on Saturday afternoon with Vitale stating: “Unrelated to any of my cancer scares, I had an accident at my home in Florida, and that has created some new health challenges and near-term physical limitations for me.”
An update from @DickieV on his broadcast return.
All of us at ESPN are sending our best wishes to Dick for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/4szfaDib7j
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 18, 2025
Vitale added that he is “devastated” he won’t be able to return to ESPN as planned, particularly after the outpouring of support he received from fans and the college basketball community. His last broadcast assignment was April 3, 2023, calling an international feed of the national championship between San Diego State and UConn.
“Now, I’m just going to have to wait some more. I’m not sure exactly when that will be, yet I’m expected to make a full recovery and will provide updates when I have more information,” Vitale stated. “I’m a lucky guy and as I’ve said before, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back to calling the sport I love.”
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(Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
