Having ranted at great length about the awfulness of Dick Vitale’s caterwauling during games broadcast on ESPN, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that he’s having vocal cord surgery. In his own words:
The past six weeks have been very emotional for me and for my family as we’ve visited some of the most outstanding throat specialists. Fortunately, I am currently under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Deems in Sarasota, Fla. and he is an outstanding ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr. Deems strongly recommended that I visit Dr. Steven Zeitels, who is recognized as one of the premier throat and voice specialists in the nation.
Dr. Zeitels serves as the director for the Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. After an examination, it was determined that I had lesions on my left vocal cord and that they should be surgically removed. Dr. Zeitels said his goal is to have me back sitting at courtside in early February.
While I think he’s long since sunk into self-parody, and he actually detracts from the games that he calls at this point, I do not bear the man any personal ill-will. It’s got to be absolutely maddening for him to be unable to do the job that he so obviously loves doing. I wish him a full and complete recovery.
But, if I might speak directly to him for a moment: Dick, buddy. Get well soon, but when you get back, please consider, I don’t know, not screaming quite so much. It’ll be better for your voice, and better for my sanity.
Think about it, won’t you?