Sports briefs for June 22, 2005

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 | 9:21 a.m.

Voice of Steelers retires after 35 years

Myron Cope, whose screechy-voiced antics and towel-waving enthusiasm became nationally known during the Pittsburgh Steelers' string of Super Bowl championships in the 1970s, is retiring after 35 years as a team announcer.

Cope, a one-of-a-kind voice who became a broadcaster in 1970 only because of a radio station executive's whimsy, decided to quit after retired team executive Joe Gordon told him his on-air work had declined.

Cope, 76, has had several years of health problems, including a concussion that caused him to be disoriented during one game and to miss another last season. He also has been undergoing treatment for hoarseness and a leg injury.

Hakim, released by the Detroit Lions, signed a one-year deal.

-- Sun wire services

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