It's easy to mock Dick Vitale for his over-the-top on-camera antics, particularly if he's working a Duke game. But for all the perceived homerism, he's seems like a good guy. Sort of like John Madden in that his exuberance can sometimes be distracting to the point that you want to throw a brick through your television. But what separates them from most of their colleagues is that they seldom utter a malicious word about the players or coaches they're covering.
And if you need more confirmation that Vitale is a swell dude, this should do it (via the Tampa Tribune):
The story of a Bradenton teenager's slaying has led a nationally known sportscaster to help pay for her funeral expenses.Thompson was the victim of a random attack following Bayshore's football game Friday night. "I didn't know Jazmine. I just know what I read, and it tears my heart out," Vitale told the Tribune. "There's no way there should be a funeral for that young girl this weekend. She did nothing wrong. She was minding her own business."
ESPN commentator Dick Vitale spoke this morning with Raechelle James, the mother of Jazmine Thompson, the Bayshore High School cheerleader who was fatally shot Friday night.
Vitale said he has made arrangements with the family to help with funeral expenses. James recently lost her job and does not have insurance.
Vitale is also planning to set up a scholarship fund in the names of Thompson and Dejuan Williams, who was shot and killed on Aug. 4.
"It really hits home when this happens in your own community," Vitale said. "It boggles my mind how young people can get hold of guns and something like this happens. One senseless act and so many lives have been affected."
Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mr.Vitale ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A CLASS ACT. WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS MAN AROUND SO THAT OUR YOUNGER GENERATION CAN LEARN FROM HIM.
amen; a class act all the way around
Dick Vitale is the MAN!!!!! He is the most passionate commentator about a sport that has ever lived. And now helping this family out in a time of need. He has done so much for The V Foundation, and not to mention helping out the youth. This is just one more thing to add the the legacy of the man.
Good to know...sheds a new light on Dick Vitale..thats he just not another well paid sportscaster, but one with a heart and a giving nature. I only wish there were more people like him
Way to go Dick, what a wonderful thing to do!!!!!!
Answer: Sounds like it!!!!
WOW! What a nice thing to do! What a kind and amazing gesture!
Dicky V is the man...
I agree with you. Some people have to get attention somewhere. And as Blue Collar comedian Ron White says "you can't fix stupid"
Leave it to an ignorant individual like Barb to say something so idiotic. Why would he need press. He is on t.v constantly. He needs no publicity. Get a fricken like you ignorant scum bag.
Class Act!!!!
this story makes me sad and a bit happy at the same time. Happy that there are good people like Dicky V. Maybe someday we wont need this kind of charity, until then thank you.
Being a teen myself, i have always like the enthusiasm and energy of Dicky Vitale. THis makes me respect him even more for all of his money and time that he has offered up to help out families and people in need.
Another Jersey guy with a big heart
Why does this article start off as describing him as annoying? He is passionate about what he does and one of the few decent human beings we have left in the sports world! I wish he commentated every sports game because he could make paint drying exciting.
wow - I don't even know this man but I want to kiss him! What a class act.
God bless Dicky V
My heartfelt prayers go out to the families that lost their children, and my thanks go to Mr. Vitale. His is an example of compassion that we should all emulate.
As I have said before, gun control will not stop the violence. The guns used to commit these crimes are bought on the street for 50 bucks!!! There is no respect for human life in our society anymore. These people do not respect themselves let alone others. I am sorry for her family, no one should have to bury their child.
DICK VITAL IS ALL CLASS,HE IS SO PASSIONNATE DOING THE BASKESBALL GAMES I COULD JUST LISTEN TOO HIS VOICEAND ENJOY THE GAME. YOU ALWAY KNOW HES A GOOD GUY ALWAYS HELPING THE KIDS AND DOING SO MUCH FOR THE J V FOUNDATION ANOTHER CLASS ACT GUY.IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND DICK IS THAT PERSON WAY TO GO DICK ROSIEJOE