Sportscaster George Michael dies from cancer

UPDATED:

Washington sportscasting legend George Michael has died from cancer, according to NBC4 News Washington, his former employer.

He was the station’s sports anchor from the early 1980s until 2007, when he left the station amid cutbacks.

“George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years,” a station spokesman said Thursday morning. “He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area.”

Michael reportedly was 70.

Mr. Michael also hosted the popular “George Michael Sports Machine” show, on which he, former pro athletes and reporters held spirited discussions about the Redskins and other area sports teams.

“George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting,” the spokesman also said. “He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller and one of the hardest-working journalists out there. Our hearts go out to his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle, both of whom also worked with us for many years, as well as the rest of his family.”

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder called Michael “the consummate reporter and a valuable friend.”

“I doubt we’ll ever again see a sports reporter who was so admired by the people he covered,” Mr. Snyder said. “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.”