Legendary announcer Dick Vitale shares heartbreaking message after ESPN analyst's death
Dubai: Dick Vitale, one of the defining voices of American college basketball, has paid tribute to ESPN analyst Chris Spatola following the former Duke assistant coach’s unexpected death at the age of 47. Spatola’s death has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, with ESPN and Duke among those mourning his passing. The former Army player had been a familiar voice on ESPN and…
Dubai: Dick Vitale, the iconic voice of American college basketball, has mourned the sudden passing of ESPN analyst Chris Spatola, who died at the young age of 47. Spatola's death has left a deep void in the college basketball community, prompting tributes from ESPN, Duke University, and fellow professionals. A former Army soldier, Spatola joined ESPN after a five-year stint in the service, beginning his broadcasting career with the network.
Prior to his television work, Spatola served under Coach K as an assistant coach at Duke from 2007 to 2012, witnessing the team's 2010 NCAA championship and four ACC tournament titles. Spatola was also part of the US national teams, including serving as a court coach during the 2008 Olympic gold-medal run. The couple had a personal bond with Coach K, as they married his daughter Jamie and had three children together.
Vitale, who has been fighting cancer since 2021, has expressed his sorrow on social media, stating: "Heartbreaking learning about the passing of Chris Spatola - so so sad!"
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