ESPN Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale shared that “some abnormalities” were found after a series of routine scans last week.
Vitale, who announced he was cancer free last May after battling the disease four separate times in three years, shared a health update through ESPN public relations exec Josh Krulewitz on Wednesday, explaining that he will have a biopsy on Friday for additional testing.
“Like countless others, each time I go for any kind of test I am a nervous wreck,” Vitale, 86, wrote in the statement. “The latest example is my scans last week. The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next and it can be surprising or scary.
Sportscaster Dick Vitale waves to the crowd as he is honored during a game between Indiana Hoosiers and Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on December 17, 2022 in Lawrence, Kansas. Getty Images “While I feel great physically and sharp mentally, I heard from my doctors that the latest tests (which included a PET scan then a CAT scan and two MRIs) showed some abnormalities.”
Vitale added plans to “remain as active as ever and fight as hard as can be.”
The legendary broadcaster, who’s been with ESPN since its inception in 1979, worked this past season for the network and called the First Four matchup between NC State and Texas alongside Charles Barkley in March.
“Our teammate. Our friend. We love you, @DickieV. In your corner, always,” ESPN wrote on X, replying to Vitale’s statement.
“Thanks @espn CEO Jimmy Pitaro & all my colleagues for caring, Vitale said in another post. “Starting last Thurs. with PET Scan -I thought results would be super as I feel physically fantastic . – I was stunned with reports that spots were found – had Sat .Cat Scan & 2 MRI’s results confirmed abnormality in 2 areas – next biopsy this Friday ! Need [prayers].”
Charles Barkley, left, and Dick Vitale, right, prepare for their broadcast before an NCAA college basketball game between Kentucky and Indiana in Lexington, Ky., December 13, 2025. AP Vitale battled melanoma and lymphoma before being diagnosed with vocal cord cancer in 2023.
He joined ESPN during the 1979-80 college basketball season, following a successful college and pro coaching career.
The Passaic, New Jersey native was selected as an inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Vitale and his wife, Lorraine, who reside in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, have two daughters, Terri and Sherri.
