George Michael, of the Sports Machine Passes Away

[Dom Heffner]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ichael-passes/

Fomer WRC-TV reporter George Michael, a legendary figure on the D.C. sports scene, has passed away after a battle with cancer, per the Washington Post.

Michael covered sports for 28 years at WRC. He served as lead sports anchor until March 2007, and he continued to work for the station through December 2008. He left the station in the face of budget reductions.

At the time, Michael offered these words of wisdom: "There is no logical explanation except that the man making the decisions is saying 'I don't want to spend $5 to make $7.50.' Instead, it's 'I want to spend nothing and make a dollar.'"

Leonard Shapiro of the Post wrote that Michael "always put on the most complete local sportscast in the market and rarely shied away from controversy, or asking some very tough questions, particularly when they involved the Redskins and any other local teams."

His syndicated show -- The George Michael Sports Machine -- launched in the early 1980s and provided local broadcast stations throughout the country with an alternative to ESPN's SportsCenter and CNN's once-popular highlight show featuring Nick Charles and Fred Hickman.

Michael was 70. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

UPDATE: Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has issued a statement regarding Michael's passing. "George was the consummate reporter and a valuable friend," Snyder said. "I doubt we'll ever again see a sports reporter who was so admired by the people he covered. He loved his family, he loved sports, and he loved his work. His wife Pat and the rest of his family are in my prayers, and in the thoughts of the entire Redskins organization."

[Chip R]

Originally Posted by Dom Heffner

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ichael-passes/

No kidding?! He was just at the SABR convention in D.C. this summer in a panel discussion with Frank Howard and Rick Dempsey. I noticed he was bald but thought that was just a natural thing for a guy that age.

[westofyou]

The George Michael Sports Machine was heaven for those without cable TV, a small slice of it, but heaven nonetheless.

[MrCinatit]

I loved watching that show, especially during the summer time. Sunday nights were reserved for George and his computer. He will be missed.

[Redsfaithful]

Loved that show, it's amazing how much things have changed.

I still remember watching a show where Michael got the giggles at something and it just progressed until he couldn't handle it anymore, so a couple of minutes of highlights flashed by and all you could hear was him hysterically laughing uncontrollably. Still one of my all time favorite TV moments, I was in tears laughing so hard by the end of it.

I think it might have been one of the "Plays of the Year" episodes but I'm not 100%, either way those were always pretty epic.

[redsfan1966]

I loved the "Sports Machine" and its no nonsense attitude.

[RichRed]

Originally Posted by westofyou

The George Michael Sports Machine was heaven for those without cable TV, a small slice of it, but heaven nonetheless.

Indeed it was. RIP to a DC legend.

[Spring~Fields]

Originally Posted by westofyou

The George Michael Sports Machine was heaven for those without cable TV, a small slice of it, but heaven nonetheless.

Yes, I really like him and his sports show, I always looked forward to it and him.

[PedroBourbon]

Originally Posted by westofyou

The George Michael Sports Machine was heaven for those without cable TV, a small slice of it, but heaven nonetheless.

When I was a poor college student it was my "Sportscenter."

[Boston Red]

I agree. Loved that show before I had cable.