R.I.P. George Michael - Sports Reporter

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George Michael Dead: Sportscaster Dies At 70

NAFEESA SYEED | 12/24/09 02:05 PM | AP


WASHINGTON — George Michael, a mainstay on the Washington, D.C., sports television scene for decades who reached a national audience with "The George Michael Sports Machine" highlights show, has died. He was 70 years old.

Michael's daughter, Michelle Allen, said Michael was surrounded by family and friends when he died Thursday morning from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

"He waged his battle against cancer with the same drive and determination that made him a one-of-a-kind in the broadcasting industry," the family said in a statement. "Whether it was covering a sports story, working on his horse farm, or spending time with family and friends, he approached everything in life with passion."

"Sports Machine" began shortly after Michael's arrival at WRC TV in Washington in 1980 as "George Michael's Sports Final," a late-night local feature. Then in 1984 it grew into the first nationally syndicated sports highlights show, eventually airing in 194 markets across the United States and in 10 foreign countries.

It was a trendsetting program, gaining its footing in the days before cable television and ESPN were widely available. The show was also the first to give regular national TV exposure to once obscure sports like NASCAR and professional rodeo.

In a statement, WRC called Michael a pioneer in sports broadcasting and a dynamic force in its newsroom.

"He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller, and one of the hardest working journalists out there," the station said.

Washington Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder said Michael was a "consummate reporter and a valuable friend." Michael regularly interviewed the team's coaches and served as the longtime Redskins Welcome Home luncheon master of ceremonies.

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"I doubt we'll ever again see a sports reporter who was so admired by the people he covered," Snyder said in statement.

Michael won more than 40 Emmy Awards and members of the "Sports Machine" staff received more than 100 Emmys for their work on the show. He also helped jump-start the TV careers of several national sports personalities, including David Aldridge, Bonnie Bernstien, Tony Kornheiser, Joe Theismann and Michael Wilbon.

Jeff Martinez, 40, of Sterling, Va., who worked on "Sports Machine" first as an intern and later as an associate producer from 1991 to 1995, said Michael was a perfectionist.

"You had to bring your A-game every day," Martinez said. Michael had no problem letting a staffer know "if you weren't performing what he thought your potential was."

Martinez also said Michael was supportive when he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which affects the digestive system, allowing him to take a leave of absence.

"He definitely took care of his own ... he was very very caring," he said. "Rather than pressuring me to come back to work sooner than I needed to, he was always there calling me and making sure I was doing well."

The show ran until March 2007. Michael said in late 2006 that significant layoffs and staff cuts announced at NBC, which owns WRC, prompted his decision to end the show.

"I told them, that if I have to lay anyone off, if I have to get rid of any of my staff, then I'm going to take the first bullet," Michael said.

Michael continued to appear on air for the next couple of years, hosting the station's weekly half-hour shows, "Redskins Report" and "Full Court Press."

Michael's family said plans for a memorial service are not yet complete. Besides his daughter, Michelle Allen, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia, and his son, Brad.

"The passion that he brought to television was the same as he brought to being a father," Allen said. "He appreciated everything and he appreciated his fans."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/1..._n_403034.html

[Pitt Gorilla]

Whew. I thought half of Wham! had perished. I mean, RIP to the Sports Machine guy, but Faith was a great album.

[pr_capone]

Hope he had faith.

[Frazod]

I enjoyed watching his show back in the pre-internet days. It was about the only non-biased sports coverage you could get up here. RIP

[Sure-Oz]

The george micheal sports machine lol....i remember that being on local tv late sunday nights before i had cable

[BigMeatballDave]

Yeah, so not the George Michael I was thinking of when I clicked.

I loved "The George Michael Sports Machine" back in the day.

[Deberg_1990]

Used to love the sports machine back in the 80,s and early 90's in KC. Rip...
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[doomy3]

Originally Posted by frazod

I enjoyed watching his show back in the pre-internet days. It was about the only non-biased sports coverage you could get up here. RIP

Yep, I remember watching his show every Sunday growing up. RIP

[Extra Point]

That was a good program. RIP, George Michael.

[Deberg_1990]

Everyone akways remembers the cheesy "sports machine" gimmick his set was made up of...but his show was pretty entertaining. He covered a lot of different sports and not just the big pro sports leagues. I remeber he did segments on pro wrestling on ocassion.
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[Stewie]

RIP George. I always laughed when he pushed those big phony buttons. Good show, though.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Jitterbug.

[KCbroncoHATER]

It came on after the Sunday night news.

RIP

[Slainte]

George was a great Top-40 DJ during the 60's/70's as well. An all-around great guy who will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was one of the good ones in an industry filled w/ pricks. Wish this hadn't happened on X-mas Eve -- or ever, for that matter. My thoughts are w/ his family...

RIP

[Titty Meat]

RIP to a real sports reporter George Michael will be missed.