ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
In a statement, Vitale said he plans to treat the cancer with steroids and six months of chemotherapy.
The 82-year-old said he’ll manage the treatments around his work schedule for the upcoming season.
Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and support as I plan on fighting with all my heart to win this battle. Please know I appreciate so much that you care. https://t.co/kw7y2oeywI
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 18, 2021
In August, Vitale announced he had multiple surgeries over the summer to remove melanoma. The Basketball Hall of Famer said doctors believe that diagnosis is unrelated to his lymphoma.
“If you see me, please just give me a fist bump and say a prayer that I can return from being 82 years old to acting like I’m 12. Thanks so much for your love,” Vitale wrote in his post.
Vitale joined ESPN less than four months after it launched in September 1979. He has been a longtime supporter of the V Foundation for Cancer Research and hosts a yearly gala for pediatric cancer research.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.