As one of the few remaining ESPN employees who date back to the beginning of the network, Dick Vitale still commands a presence to this day. And as he continues well into his 70’s, the college basketball analyst is treasured not only by his fellow employees, but more importantly, his bosses.
ESPN has announced that Vitale has signed a new contract that keeps him on the network’s platforms through the 2016-17 season. Vitale continues to be one of the network’s top analysts for the sport and he’ll be assigned to some of the top games each season and end with coverage of the Men’s Final Four which is seen on ESPN International around the world except for the United States.
In a network statement, Vitale is quoted as being thrilled to spend his golden years on ESPN:
“I am absolutely thrilled, at my relatively young age of 75, ESPN feels I am still passionate enough to talk about a game I love, college basketball. I am just so grateful to be part of the ESPN family. Without ESPN, there would no Dickie V; there would be no Hall of Fames. I am forever indebted to them.”
Vitale joined ESPN in 1979 and called its first-ever college basketball game, a contest between Wisconsin and DePaul. His first on-air partner was Joe Boyle and over the years, he has worked with a myriad of broadcasters throughout his ESPN tenure including Jim Simpson, Jim Thacker, Bob Ley, John Saunders, Tim Brando, Brad Nessler, Mike Patrick, Dan Shulman, Brent Musburger, Keith Jackson and so many others.
And while it’s easy to poke Vitale for his over the top calls, his love of Duke basketball and his broadcasting style in general, there’s no doubting of his enthusiasm for college basketball and his love of life. Here’s hoping he never stops live tweeting Barry Manilow concerts.
[ESPN]
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