Legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale will not be on commentary for the next installment of the North Carolina-Duke basketball rivalry for the first time in 35 years.
The New York Daily News reports that Jay Bilas and Dan Shulman will take over the commentary duties after ESPN decided to remove Vitale from coverage.
Vitale, who has covered every game aired on ESPN between the schools since joining the network in 1979, said in an interview with The News & Observer that he will miss being a part of the storied rivalry.
"It’s been a special part of my basketball and my announcing career,” Vitale said. “And I will never forget the magical moments that I’ve had, being able to be part of such an incredible of rivalry.”
Vitale added that he is a team player and will go anywhere that his bosses tell him to go.
No. 14 North Carolina is set to take on the No. 4 Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 18.