Dick Vitale has lived a remarkable and very public life. He was the head coach at the University of Detroit for four years and then got hired by the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. He was fired 12 games into his second season and latched on with a fledgling all-sports network called ESPN. Vitale called the network’s very first college basketball game on December 5, 1979 and has been the voice – and face – of the sport ever since.
Vitale’s voice has been silenced of late by multiple bouts with cancer, most recently vocal cord cancer. He underwent surgery and weeks of radiation treatment and was recently pronounced clean. Now Vitale, 85, is hoping to get back on the mic before the season ends. If all goes well, it could happen in January, pending another examination soon.
In the meantime, Vitale has continued to apply his famously undying enthusiasm towards his efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer. This has been the true cause of Vitale’s life. His annual Gala and foundation has raised nearly $100 million for cancer research.
Vitale agreed to let me interview him for Hoops HQ but asked that we conduct the conversation by text message. He is doing everything he can to save his voice and allow his vocal cords to grow stronger. That conversation appears below and has been edited for length and clarity. If you would like to donate to the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, please do so here.
Seth Davis: Let’s begin with a general health update. What’s the latest and how are you doing?
Dick Vitale: This has been such a special Christmas as Santa Claus gave me the greatest gifts cancer patient can receive. I had a full body scan on December 18 and as most cancer patients will tell you it is such a “nervous time” waiting for the results. My body actually was shaking when the phone rang and I saw that it was from my oncologist Dr Rick Brown. It is a life changing moment vs that monster disease CANCER because if they find cancer still exists it is back to various treatments. If you hear the 4 magical words you are praying & hoping for — “YOU ARE CANCER FREE” — it is jubilation. I jumped with joy when Dr. Brown told me the scan was clean. It was my National Championship Baby!
My family of 11 celebrated for several days at the St Regis Resort in Longboat Key, Florida. However as a cancer patient I realize there will be many more moments of anxiety as I will have scans quarterly to make certain that I am remaining cancer free.
SD: I know this is not your first bout with cancer. How many times have you reached that point where you get scanned post treatment?
DV: I have had 4 various battles with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph nodes cancer in my neck. People are aware of my constant fundraising for the V Foundation for decades. I am so transparent about all of this because by sharing my stories of what I was facing with scans/scopes/bloodwork it has helped with my goal of raising dollars especially for pediatric cancer research. The V Foundation has established as part of the foundation the Dick Vitale Pediatric Fund. People can help me for kids vs cancer by donating at v.org/vitalefund.
I am 85 and have lived a fantastic life but youngsters should not have to deal with all the chemo, radiation scans and surgeries that I have dealt with. I have a special goal that I hope I can see all 5 of my grandchildren graduate from college. By the time they all receive their degrees I would be 89. I plan to go beyond that ha ha 🙏🙏🙏
SD: We are conducting this conversation over text message because you said you are resting your voice. What are your marching orders right now in terms of getting your strength and your voice back? Are you speaking at all?
DV: Yes I am speaking but limiting to just must-do things with my family and ESPN. I have not done any interviews. I’ve been doing short quick motivational videos. I feel like I am progressing but I will know more in early January as I get a scope by Dr. Steven Zeitals in Boston to see what he thinks. I am hoping that I can get at courtside before this year comes to an end. I feel energized and feel that I can offer some insight about the game I love. If I didn’t think I can offer some valid opinions I would just simply relax at home but I still feel “YOUNG AT HEART.” That a Frank Sinatra big hit ha ha way before your time.
SD: I’d say you’re young all over! So that leads to my next question. What are the chances that you will call a game before the season is over?
DV: I will have a better feel after the scoping of my vocal cords in early January. He was very optimistic after he heard my motivational tip of the day.
SD: Forgive me for being a probing journalist here, but it sounds from what you’re saying that best case scenario, you could be back calling games sometime in January? Do I have that right? I don’t want to jinx it!
DV: It really Seth all depends on what happens during my exam with Dr ZEITELS . 🙏🙏🙏for good news!
SD: I know you love being in the arena but is calling games remotely an optoin for you as well?
DV: It is an option if Dr. Zeitels is pleased after scoping me. He was very happy with my voice in the video. Remember I have had cancer of vocal cords plus 35 radiation treatments on them plus in last 2 years at least 3 operations plus numerous scopes.
SD: Okay let’s end with a few college basketball questions:
Who’s the best team in the country?
Who’s the best player in the country?
Who’s your Final Four sleeper?
DV: The best team thus far I feel is Rick Barnes’ Tennessee team as their team defense is so efficient. Barnes deserves to be in the Naismith Hall of Fame as he already in my HUMANITARIAN Hall of Fame as he has constantly sent me prayers during my battle.
My choice as of this moment the best player in the nation is the multi-talented Cooper Flagg of Duke. He is so rare that he can be the most valuable player on the floor without scoring. His passing, rebounding & his presence on the court creates great space for his teammates. He is a sold gold PTPer prime time player.
A Final Four sleeper team can be ST JOHN’s of the Big East. Rick Pitino has a magical way at tournament time to get his teams to elevate their game offensively and defensively. He excels in those pressure moments as he gets his teams to perform at their best. This team is talented and will get better as the season goes forward.
