Steelers radio broadcaster Myron Cope today announced he is retiring after 35 years covering the team.

Cope, 76, had a meeting with WDVE-FM and 970-AM, as well as Steelers management, yesterday to inform them of his plans.

		Back to writing? Myron Cope says he may write another book. In 2002, PG columnist Bob Smizik reviewed Cope's 'Double Yoi!'

Cope has been troubled by health issues in recent years, including persistent hoarseness for which he is receiving treatment.

"Even though Myron Cope is leaving the broadcast booth, Myron's presence at Steelers games will continue to be felt in the form of one of football's greatest game day traditions -- the Terrible Towel," said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a prepared statement.

Cope said he had an agreement with longtime team publicist Joe Gordon that Gordon would tell him if his broadcasts started slipping. Gordon told him recently that Cope's health was affecting his focus on the field as a color commentator.

Cope, who was a magazine sportswriter before becoming a broadcaster, is considering writing a book, which would be his sixth.

More details and reaction in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.