Just one day after sharing the news of his expected comeback, Hall of Fame announcer Dick Vitale announced a postponement of his return because of a health issue that is not related to the cancer that has kept him away from broadcasting since 2023.

In a statement shared by ESPN, Vitale mentioned that he experienced an accident at his residence in Florida, which has led to new health difficulties and immediate physical restrictions for him.

Vitale posted on X that he is “recovering from a difficult fall,” but also noted that “neurosurgeons have informed me that I’m making great progress and that surgery is not required.”

ESPN shared on Friday that Vitale was set to commentate on the game between Duke and Wake Forest on January 25 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. His last assignment was on April 3, 2023, where he provided the international coverage of the San Diego State versus UConn national championship for ESPN.

“I’m heartbroken that I won’t be courtside alongside my ESPN colleague Dave O’Brien and all the players and fans, especially after the incredible support I received regarding my planned return,” Vitale’s statement expressed. “I was looking forward to experiencing the thrill and energy of a college basketball atmosphere for the first time in almost two years. For now, I will just have to wait a little longer.”

No specific timeline for his return was provided, and ESPN did not have further remarks.

At 85 years old, Vitale has been fighting four different types of cancer for over three years and is just months past surgery in 2024 aimed at treating a lymph node in his neck that was found to be cancerous.

Vitale announced on January 8 that he was cancer-free, marking a recent update in his health journey, which he has openly shared through social media.

He was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2021 after previous surgeries to remove melanoma. In 2022, he declared himself cancer-free, but then in 2023, he was diagnosed with cancer of the vocal cords and underwent radiation treatment.

In November 2023, Vitale confirmed he was cancer-free for the third time.

Vitale began his career with ESPN during the 1979-80 season, covering his first major college basketball game on December 5, 1979. He has served as the analyst for over 1,000 games and was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2024.