Dick Vitale won't be back for the college basketball season as he continues to rest his voice and prepares for surgery to treat his vocal cords.
Vitale wrote that he was advised to give his voice an even longer "T.O., Baby!" in anticipation of undergoing surgery after a follow-up visit with a Massachusetts General Hospital throat specialist.
Vitale said that going on vocal rest the past three weeks had reduced the inflammation in his throat by 60 percent.
The date for surgery will be set once the inflammation heals.
Vitale wrote that his throat's condition was moving in the right direction and that he was optimistic that it could be successfully treated.
Vitale had been treated for cancer.
Dick Vitale is synonymous with college basketball, and his absence from the broadcasts the rest of this season will leave a void. James Pitaro, chairman of ESPN and sports content for The Walt Disney Company, said that millions of fans can't wait to have him back calling games from inside arenas whenever he is ready.
Vitale said in his post that he's honored to receive such overwhelming support, and that he'll be forever grateful for the messages of encouragement from friends, fans, media members and colleagues.
Vitale said that he was "firm in his belief that I will win this battle and be back doing what I love -- calling games at courtside next season." I will savor the love of my family and enjoy all the great games from my living room. Thank you all.
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