{"blocks":[{"id":"3i7fkpe2-rhr4an9h","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://nypost.com/2026/04/13/sports/espns-dick-vitale-has-cancer-again-plan-on-winning-this-battle/","meta":{"title":"ESPN legend Dick Vitale has cancer again: ‘I plan on winning this battle’","description":"","image":{"url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/crop-39075521.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=171&h=114&crop=1"}},"variant":"compact"}},{"id":"exlajugx-atqm9swh","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://nypost.com/2026/04/08/sports/dick-vitales-tests-show-abnormalities-in-latest-health-update/","meta":{"title":"Dick Vitale’s tests show ‘abnormalities’ as ESPN legend gives latest health update","description":"","image":{"url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/newspress-collage-f5pryaa7u-1775676582026.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&1775662208&w=171&h=114&crop=1"}},"variant":"compact"}},{"id":"ibclx441-v9o08cvx","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://nypost.com/2026/03/08/sports/dick-vitale-calls-out-kentucky-for-disappointing-22-million-roster/","meta":{"title":"Dick Vitale calls out Kentucky for disappointing $22 million roster","description":"","image":{"url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/crop-38714140.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&1772991685&w=171&h=114&crop=1"}},"variant":"compact"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dick Vitale will undergo two additional vocal cord surgeries this summer, the legendary college basketball announcer said in a Tweet on Thursday. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The first surgery is scheduled for July 11 and Vitale said he is hopeful to be back behind the mic for his 45th season on the ESPN college hoops broadcast. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“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,” Vitale wrote. “That part is so frustrating as I feel trapped not being able to express myself.” "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The 84-year-old had surgery for dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cord in February 2022, but his surgeon, Dr. Zeitels, notified Vitale that the problem has returned. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vitale was sidelined for parts of the 2021-22 college basketball season due to his vocal cord issues. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“I will NEVER GIVE UP!” Vitale said in his Tweet. "}},{"type":"image","data":{"file":{"url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GettyImages-1449874543.jpg?w=1024"},"caption":"\n Dick Vitale will undergo two additional vocal cord surgeries set for July 11. Getty Images"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vitale does have real fight in him."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The star analyst beat both an August 2021 diagnosis of melanoma and October 2021 diagnosis of lymphoma. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The former high school, college and NBA coach announced himself cancer-free in August 2022."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"

"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vitale is currently in the last year of his ESPN contract extension that goes through the 2023-24 season, however, it’s widely understood that he’s got a seat in the broadcast booth until he decides to call it quits. "}},{"type":"image","data":{"file":{"url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GettyImages-1482226692.jpg?w=1024"},"caption":"\n Vitale missed part of the 2021-22 season with vocal cord issues. Getty Images"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":""}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For Vitale, though, he’s exactly where he wants to be and is determined to get back following recovery. "}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“I’m living the American dream,” Vitale said, according to ESPN. “I learned from my mom and dad, who didn’t have a formal education, but had doctorates of love. They told me that if you gave 110 percent all the time, a lot of beautiful things will happen. I may not always be right, but no one can ever accuse me of not having a genuine love and passion for whatever I do.”"}}]}

Belle Fraser

Dick Vitale to undergo additional vocal cord surgeries: ‘Frustrating’