Long time ESPN analyst Dick Vitale will not be calling Wednesday’s Duke-UNC basketball ESPN broadcast for the first time since 1979. In his place, Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas will call the meeting between the No. 4 Blue Devils and No. 15 Tar Heels.
ESPN is yet to give a reason for pulling Dick Vitale, but Vitale spoke to the Raleigh News & Observer about ESPN’s decision to leave him off the broadcast.
From Raleigh News & Observer:
“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. 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 rivalry.”
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