The end of an era has come for Dick Vitale.
Dickie V. has called every single Duke-North Carolina game for ESPN since joining the network in 1979, but he will not call Wednesday’s game between the schools.
The Tampa Bay Times reported the news and says it will just be Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas on the call. In the past few years, it was the two men plus Vitale calling the game.
Though Vitale is obviously receiving a demotion, ESPN says the legend is still a big part of their college basketball coverage.
“Dick Vitale is an integral part of our college basketball coverage, calling high-profile games throughout the season and bringing his incredible Hall of Fame presence and passion to the sport,” ESPN said in a statement.
The situation is very similar to what happened with aging play-by-play man Brent Musburger, who was replaced as the No. 1 announcer for ESPN college football and moved to the SEC Network.
Keep your head up, Dickie V. We still have love for you (even if John Calipari doesn’t).
