ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale is preparing for two vocal cord surgeries and up to eight weeks of complete “voice rest.”
Vitale, 84, said in a social media statement that he plans to return for a 45th season following his recovery from a surgery planned for July 11. Vitale said the latest news came in an appointment with Dr. Stephen Zeitels.
“Rec’d some bad news, but when I realize it is minor to what some face daily I will fight to recover. Dr Zeitels acclaimed vocal cord surgeon has informed me my past issues on my vocal cords have returned. I must have 2 surgeries this summer-1st July 11 need ur (prayers),” Vitale posted via Twitter on Thursday.
“The biggest challenge is that I am currently on voice rest in preparation for surgery on July 11 & post surgery I must be on total voice rest for 6-8 weeks in recovery. That part is so frustrating as I feel trapped not being able to express myself. The positive news Dr Z is optimistic to have me ready for my 45th yr on @espn.”
Rec’d some bad news, but when I realize it is minor to what some face daily I will fight to recover. Dr Zeitels acclaimed vocal cord surgeon has informed me my past issues on my vocal cords have returned.I must have 2 surgeries this summer-1st July 11 need ur ??????
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 22, 2023
In January 2022, Vitale was diagnosed by Zeitels with dysplasia on the vocal cords and underwent surgery.
He was declared cancer-free in April 2022 after undergoing chemotherapy to treat lymphoma on the heels of a diagnosis he first shared in October 2021.
Vitale called ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast in the company’s first year of existence in 1979.
–Field Level Media
