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ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale to take time off, rest vocal cords on doctor's advice

On his doctor's advice, college basketball analyst Dick Vitale will rest his voice and be away from ESPN's airwaves for the foreseeable future.

In a story posted to ESPN Front Row on Wednesday, Vitale said he visited Boston recently to meet with Massachusetts General Hospital throat specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels.

"The good news is that he doesn't believe anything is life-threatening; however, Dr. Zeitels says I have pre-cancerous Dysplasia on the vocal cords. Bottom line is I need to rest them -- my voice needs a T.O., BABY!"

Vitale has undergone cancer treatment this year. Because he will be away from ESPN college basketball broadcasts, he said he didn't want people to fear that he had a setback in his cancer recovery.