National Basketball Association

Cavs broadcaster Tait set for procedure on heart

Published Oct. 22, 2010 5:47 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cleveland Cavaliers radio broadcaster Joe Tait will undergo a procedure on his heart and is expected to be out at least until January.

Resting at home and receiving treatment for pneumonia since his release last week from a Houston hospital, the 73-year-old Tait had a series of tests at The Cleveland Clinic that revealed aortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aortic valve. He will have the valve replaced once he has further recovered from the pneumonia.

Set to retire after this season, Tait has been the Cavaliers' radio announcer for all but two years since the team began play in 1970, missing the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons. In August, he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

During Tait's absence, WTAM sports director Mike Snyder will handle the Cavaliers' play-by-play.