The sports world is offering prayers and kind-hearted messages for Dick Vitale — the beloved ESPN commentator and former head coach of the University of Detroit men’s basketball team and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons — following a scary announcement.
On Twitter, Vitale announced that he had to undergo a procedure to have tissues removed from his vocal chords. Vitale announced that pathologists will do further analysis to decide how to proceed with treatment.
Back at hotel- Dr Zeitels informed me that he removed tissues on my vocal cords to be analyzed by pathologists . Will have analysis when I meet with him at 1pm Wed. Report will define whether Dysplasia ( pre cancer ) or cancer.That info will determine plan for treatment. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/CvsJuTcJ25
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 11, 2023
Just arrived at Mass General & it was so nice of them to have security walk me from my hotel to the hospital as I now get prepped for my vocal cord surgery . Your 🙏🙏🙏 & ❤️❤️❤️has been off the charts . @ESPNPR pic.twitter.com/NX5nbH15VX
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 11, 2023
Following Vitale’s announcement, fans came together to voice their support for the basketball and media legend.
There’s no college basketball without you @DickieV Hoosier nation is behind you.
— Jeff Wright (@JeffWright12) July 11, 2023
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
— Kevin Norman (@uknorm) July 11, 2023
Sending warm thoughts, prayers and positive thoughts! 🙏🏽🩵
— Charlie Ricker (@CharlieRicker24) July 11, 2023
All the best always Dickie V!!! 🙌🙏💪 💗
— Blake Harris (@blakemharris) July 11, 2023
Mr Vitale
Please know our prayers are with you. Hoosier Nation loves Dickie V. It is “Awesome” to see you give back while fighting with your own struggles. God has got this and prayers keep going up. Thanks Coach for all you do for everyone!
— rlthatch78 (@rlthatch78) July 11, 2023
Positive thoughts for you Legend! 🙏
— FXOC (@FXOC7) July 11, 2023
❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️ Sending good vibes and prayers.
— Debbi Taylor (@debbiwtaylor) July 11, 2023
I get so emotional thinking about how blessed I am to receive so many 🙏🙏🙏& ❤️❤️❤️from obviously my family -my 2nd Family colleagues from @espn , media , the basketball landscape , and the fans . U all have touched me so much & it is y I want to keep u posted of my status .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 11, 2023
Vitale also shared messages of thanks for his family, colleagues fans fans for their kind messages.
I am so fortunate compared to many of the patients that r dealing with some really serious issues . I get so inspired when I think of all the COURAGEOUS KIDS we have paid tribute to at my Gala over the years .I just feel I ‘m so lucky getting so many 🙏🙏🙏- means the world to me…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 11, 2023
Vitale coached the Detroit Mercy of the NCAA for four years from 1973-74 to 1976-77, finishing with a record of 78-30. This included a 25-win season in his final year with the Mercy, with their season ending at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines in the Mideast Regional Semifinal.
He went on to coach the Pistons for the 1978-79 season and for 12 games in 1979-80, compiling a record of 34-60. Vitale is a member of both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Following his coaching career, Vitale joined the Worldwide Leader of Sports, where he went on to become one of the network’s most beloved and accomplished commentators. In 2019, Vitale received a Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement award.
