For probably the first time in his life, Dick Vitale didn’t have a lot to say when reached by phone for an interview.
The coach-turned-broadcaster spoke with the Raleigh News & Observer’s Andrew Carter Monday about being pulled from broadcasting Wednesday Duke-North Carolina basketball game, which will mark the first time since 1979 he will not call a rivalry game between the teams for ESPN.
Carter says Dickie V. was at a loss for words.
“I told them that I cannot lie when a writer asks me what’s my feeling not doing the game,” he said. “I said I have to be honest. And my honest reply to you is, obviously, I’m a loyal, team player. I will go where my bosses tell me to go.
“But in my heart I will absolutely miss being a part of North Carolina-Duke.”
Dickie V. has earned the nickname “Dukie V.” for the affection he expresses towards Duke when he broadcasts games. He loves mixing it up with the crowds and even going crowd surfing at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
All that will be gone now, and it leaves Vitale sad but filled with fond memories.
“It’s been a special part of my basketball and my announcing career,” Vitale said. “And I will never forget the magical moments that I’ve had, being able to be part of such an incredible of rivalry.”
Instead of calling Wednesday’s Duke-Carolina game that Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas will broadcast for ESPN, Vitale will call Tuesday’s Kentucky-Tennessee game. It’s an excellent game, but it’s not the same as Duke-Carolina. You have to figure that this is a really painful moment for the 75-year-old.
