SANTA CLARA — The return of Greg Papa to the 49ers’ radio broadcast booth will not happen Sunday night.
Papa, 63, confirmed a report by NBC Sports Bay Area he decided coming back wasn’t in the best interests of his health as he battles leukemia.
On Dec. 17, Papa was given the go-ahead by his hematologist to work the 49ers game against the Bears’ and presumably the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
“I decided it is not wise for me to do the game,” Papa said in a text message to this news organization.
Guy Haberman will handle play-by-play along with analyst Tim Ryan on KNBR-680.
Papa, 63, is awaiting a bone marrow transplant from his sister Judy, which will be done at a date yet to be determined. A delay in getting that transplant because of a hereditary heart issue opened a window where he could get back in the booth as he is in remission from the cancer.
As Papa awaited approval to go back to work, he told the Bay Area News Group, “It’s important for me to do, but it’s not the be-all and the end-all. My health is more important.”
Papa has gone through rounds of immunotherapy and two rounds of chemotherapy. After being isolated in a protective “bubble” to avoid infection with a low white blood sell count, Papa has cautiously been able to get out and about of late.
He resumed his 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. radio show with co-host Greg Silver and Sept. 16, which he did remotely from home.
