Casey Coleman Update

Now, we know why WTAM/1100 sportscaster Casey Coleman's illness has been such an earth-shaking event for his co-workers at the CC World Domination HQ on Oak Tree Boulevard.

The Plain Dealer's Roger Brown reports that the WTAM morning co-host and Browns sideline reporter was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Coleman is reportedly recovering at the Cleveland Clinic after his earlier-reported surgery on Friday, and as noted on the Browns Radio Network yesterday, got a Browns game ball from quarterback Trent Dilfer after Sunday's Browns win over the Bears. (OMW considers the classy gesture by Dilfer to be his third "score" of the day. It's not often that a guy pulls out a close win on an NFL playing field, and thinks of the ailing radio sideline reporter in the process.)

Brown reports that Casey's recovery will move from a week at the Cleveland Clinic to a six-to-eight week recuperation period at home. There's no word on when we may hear the veteran sportscaster return to the airwaves...we'll assume the answer out of Oak Tree is "whenever he's ready". For now, WTAM sports director Mike Snyder moves to morning drive alongside host Bill Wills, and WTAM Indians beat reporter and "Weekend Sportsline" host Mark Schwab takes Snyder's place in afternoon drive, on the Mike Trivisonno show.

And a note: We were very impressed with the station's Browns beat reporter, Andre Knott, in his last-minute role filling in for Coleman on the Browns Radio Network sideline reports. He shines in situations like this, and did a fine job in the substitution, with crisp, concise questions and a good rapport with Browns players and coaches. It reminded us of one of his earliest WTAM appearances...as a contributor to the station's NFL Draft coverage.

It's hopefully comforting to Casey Coleman that the station's well-served by his fill-ins, until he's able to return to the airwaves at 1100. Again, our best wishes to him and his family, and a sincere hope for a speedy recovery.