A longtime figure at ESPN has announced that they have been diagnosed with cancer. On Monday, longtime broadcaster Rod Gilmore, who joined ESPN back in 1996, announced that he has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as Multiple Myeloma. Gilmore, in an official release from ESPN, gave some insights regarding his diagnosis. Below is an excerpt from the release, which includes quotes from Gilmore himself.
"First, I feel great and my prognosis is good. I have great support with an amazing medical team, an incredible wife and family, and amazing friends and colleagues.
"Second, my condition was discovered during an annual physical, which I've had done for more than 25 years. Early detection is critical and I encourage all of you to get annual physicals-cancer does not discriminate and it will hide if you let it."
Gilmore also added that he will still be announcing the Vanderbilt-South Carolina game on Sept. 1 from Nashville, Tn. ESPN president John Skipper also released a statement in the official release.
"We extend our thoughts and support to Rod and his loved ones. Rod is the consummate professional, and a valued and esteemed colleague, who has the entire ESPN family behind him. I know he is approaching his battle with hope and optimism and we wish him continued strength in that fight. We look forward to his expert analysis on our college football coverage, where he has been educating and informing fans for many years."
Gilmore works primarily on ESPN Saturday telecasts alongside Mark Jones and Quint Kessenich, and also is seen on a variety of ESPN news and information shows. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gilmore and his friends and family.
