The sports media world received disheartening news Friday afternoon.
Longtime ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale shared that he is once again fighting cancer and that he will undergo surgery Tuesday.
Vitale, 85, noted that he was notified of the diagnosis after he had a biopsy done for a lymph node in his neck.
“With all the [prayer emojis] I have received & the loving support of my family,friends & @espn colleagues I will win this battle.” Vitale wrote on X. “Surgery on Tues. will be a success. Thanks for All the prayers.”
In December, Vitale announced that his vocal cord cancer had entered remission.
The New Jersey native made his return to the ESPN airwaves, regularly commentating on his beloved college basketball games, during the 2023-24 season.
Earlier Friday, Vitale had posted information about attending his 20th annual Dick Vitale Gala, which has helped fundraise nearly $100 million for pediatric cancer research in partnership with The V Foundation.
On Wednesday, Vitale announced he was “mentally and emotionally dealing with a medical situation,” later posting pictures of updates from his oncology examination and biopsy.
Such procedures didn’t stop the indefatigable Vitale, who still chimed in with thoughts about the NBA draft, including the Lakers selecting Bronny James in the second round.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer has now had four bouts with cancer since first being diagnosed in 2021.
Fans have continued to cherish Vitale’s presence, frequently giving him standing ovations during marquee basketball games and sharing their best wishes on social media.
Vitale’s latest post had nearly 20,000 likes in just over an hour of being shared.
“We are all with you Dickie V” replied the official NCAA March Madness X account with a heart emoji.
“Dick, your strength and positive attitude will carry you through once again! Your V family is here for you,” wrote The V Foundation’s profile.