Best Wishes To Vitale Following Throat Surgery
By David Scott - December 18, 2007
Anyone who has watched or listened to ESPN's Dick Vitale this season has noticed a decidedly more understated and, to some extent, quieter Dickie V. Whispers around the broadcasting icon had surfaced in recent weeks that perhaps he was having throat issues.
Those rumors have now been confirmed as ESPN announced today that Vitale has undergone throat surgery and will be off-air until February. The contents of the announcement follow. All of us at CSTV and CSTV.com wish Dick a speedy recovery and look forward to his return for the end of the season.
Just to add some levity to the situation, we now have the answer to the question: Who is the only man able to shut up Dick Vitale? Dr. Steven Zeitels. Bah-dump-bump.
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2007
Dick Vitale Sidelined After Surgery
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale had successful surgery today to treat ulcers on his left vocal chord. Vitale plans to return to the air in early February. He will continue to provide his college basketball observations on ESPN.com and dickvitaleonline.com while he recuperates.
"College basketball fans will miss Dick's enthusiasm in the coming weeks. But we are delighted to learn his surgery was a success and we all wish him a speedy recovery," said ESPN President George Bodenheimer.
Vitale is in his 29th season with ESPN and had never missed a game. The surgery was performed by Dr. Steven Zeitels at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Posted by David Scott at 01:34 PM on December 18, 2007
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