Gib Shanley with Jim Graner, KYW/WKYC-3 Sports anchor..Another Class act..The two worked on the Cleveland Browns Radio broadcasts from 1961-74..Graner passed away in 1975. Shanley also hosted "Quarterback Club", The Browns weekly Highlight show on WEWS-5.
Gib with TV-5 weatherman Don Webster..They were always poking fun at one another..
Cleveland Sportscaster Gib Shanley passed away late yesterday afternoon following complications from pneumonia..He was 76. He came to Cleveland in 1961 as play by play voice of the NFL Cleveland Browns,,Calling, with Jim Graner the last major Cleveland pro sports championship in 1964..He worked for a time as sports anchor at KYW-TV 3 before landing at WEWS-TV 5 where he would be lead sports anchor until 1984..After a couple years in California, Gib returned to Cleveland at WUAB-TV's "Ten O Clock News" as Sports Director from 1988-96..He then returned to Channel 5, doing sports commentary.
His biggest controversy, however, had nothing to do with sports..He burned an Iranian flag during a sportscast in 1979 in protest of The Iran hostage situation at the time..While station executives were'nt pleased, Gib became a hero to many around the country for standing up for the US..even in a small way..
Gib was known for his class, and unflinching honesty when it came to the sports teams..He told it like it was, even when the teams were not so good, but he also had a dry wit, which made what he said easier to take..Gib was also known for helping young talent..Many of today's sports anchors in Cleveland looked to Gib as a mentor and role model..He was also respectful to the print media, even in smaller markets, where he would always lend a hand if a media member needed help with a Browns story..
It seems the legends are all leaving us way too soon..Prayers go out to his family and friends..
More Info, Including Video and images here:
http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/15808597/detail.html
Gib Shanley/Jim Graner picture
courtesy Right As Usual Blog
http://rightasusual.blogspot.com/2006/02/remembering-gib-shanley.html
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