As a sports-loving society, we are quick to turn on a legend.

Dick Vitale has been back in the broadcast booth for just two weeks, and fans who claim to love him are already calling for him to be put out to pasture.

Vitale made his triumphant return to ESPN on Feb. 8 when Duke played at Clemson, where he received a standing ovation. It was the 85-year-old’s first game in two years after battling—and beating—four types of cancer over a four-year span.

But during the call of Kentucky at Alabama on Saturday, Vitale drew less-than-glowing reviews on social media, often under the guise of concern for his well-being.

If the contrarian take on Vitale is that he shouldn’t be working games, here’s my double-contrarian stance: Get off his back. Let him do what he loves.

Let an icon ride off into the sunset—don’t just throw him in that general direction.

Vitale is certainly a love-him-or-hate-him figure, like Bill Walton or Gus Johnson, with his well-worn catchphrases and stylized delivery. If you’ve been hearing about “diaper dandies” since before I was born and you’re sick of it, I can’t really tell you not to be.

One online critic complained that Vitale wandered off-topic to discuss St. John’s coach Rick Pitino during the SEC showdown—No. 4 Alabama won 96-83—but that’s not because Vitale is 85. That’s just what he does. He talks about His Guys, just as he’s long been known for his affection for Duke.

And spare me the hand-wringing about Vitale taking opportunities away from younger announcers. Saturday’s game could have been handled by just Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes, but instead, ESPN added a third chair for Vitale. No one lost a job. In fact, most announcers working today probably look up to him.

More importantly, Vitale beat cancer four times in four years. That battle doesn’t end with a doctor’s final “all clear,” followed by instructions to sit at home. College basketball is Vitale’s life. Getting back on air isn’t just work for him—it’s a statement: Cancer didn’t keep me down.

It’s not like he’ll be calling NCAA Tournament games. He’s taking occasional assignments when he can handle them. And if you really think that ruins your viewing experience, well, that’s what the mute button is for. I use it on Tom Brady all the time.

Vitale deserves better than to be heckled by a few dozen keyboard warriors and wished off the air. He’s getting this swan song because of what he means to college basketball.

And however gravelly his voice may be now, Vitale provides something most standard announcers don’t: unadulterated passion and joy.

“There are very few people in sports who I’ve done a total 180 on, and Dick Vitale is one,” New Republic editor Meredith Shiner posted on Bluesky. “Joy is rare and underrated. Happy to have him back.”