Just over a month ago, the legendary Dick Vitale revealed to the world that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, the second cancer diagnosis he had received this year (he announced he had melanoma in August).
But that didn’t stop him from working as he gets treatment.
With Gonzaga and UCLA playing on Tuesday night, Vitale returned to the air with ESPN, and when he was introduced on the air by Dave O’Brien, he was in tears.
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here,” he said. “This really is a big thrill for me. I want to thank all you people, sent me so many great messages, ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, all my buddies at ESPN. I want to thank certainly, my family and all the fans. You’ve been unbelievable.”
We're so happy you're back, @DickieV ❤️
#VStrongBaby pic.twitter.com/oEjtAAOi3U
— ESPN (@espn) November 24, 2021
Just making final prep for game @espn 10 EST # 1 GONZAGA – #2 UCLA – to be honest on Oct 12 when given the cancer diagnosis I never thought that I would be at courtside tonight / ur 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ have helped so so much . To ALL of u in any battle “Don’t ever believe in can’t”! pic.twitter.com/ty1rszeAp1
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) November 23, 2021
Young Gonzaga and UCLA basketball fans show off "Dickie V" and "Never Give Up" jerseys for Dick Vitale.
"Get me their addresses! I'll mail 'em something! I wanna mail 'em a gift!" pic.twitter.com/7Uk1ZWlWdb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 24, 2021
And here’s him calling a Chet Holmgren dunk:
A classic Dick Vitale call on this incredible drive and dunk from Gonzaga freshman star Chet Holmgren. pic.twitter.com/yuXdIRVpJj
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 24, 2021
