DURHAM, N.C. — ESPN’s “Dickie V” won’t be at Cameron Indoor Stadium for the latest North Carolina-Duke rivalry game.
Broadcaster Dick Vitale has called every meeting of the rivals aired by ESPN since joining the network in 1979. But Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas will call Wednesday’s meeting between the No. 4 Blue Devils and No. 15 Tar Heels.
The Tampa Bay Times was first to report that the analyst famed for his colorful sayings and enthusiasm wouldn’t work the game. In an interview with The News and Observer of Raleigh, Vitale says he’s “a loyal team player” who goes “where my bosses tell me to go.”
But he said he will “absolutely miss being a part of North Carolina-Duke.”
Vitale was scheduled to work Tuesday’s game between No. 1 Kentucky and Tennessee.
