Richard John Vitale, also known as Dickie V, is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known for his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.

Vitale has appeared in commercials for DiGiorno pizza, Oberto beef jerky, the Airborne Athletics basketball training device Dr. Dish, GEICO, and Hooters restaurants. Appearing in the early 1990s Taco Bell TV ads promoting the 7-layer burrito, Vitale exclaimed, “It’s ‘Sevendipity,’ baby!!

Dick Vitale cancer: What type of cancer did Dick Vitale have?

Vitale announced he had been diagnosed with lymphoma and would face six months of chemotherapy. He knew what that meant. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that cancer can have on families, on children, and all of our loved ones,” Vitale said in a statement. “It can bring you to your knees,” he said.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin, which spreads in an orderly manner through lymph nodes, and non-Hodgkin, which spreads in a non-orderly fashion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He is known for catchphrases such as “This is awesome, baby!” and “diaper dandy” (outstanding freshman player), as well as his enthusiastic and colorful remarks during games. He has also written nine books and appeared in several films.