By Frank James

George Michael, the ebullient Washington, D.C. TV sportscaster who became widely known for his nationally syndicated "The George Michael Sports Machine" highlights show died at age 70 on Thursday at a suburban Washington hospital.

He died of cancer, specifically chronic lymphocytic leukemia according to reports.

An excerpt from the website of WRC-TV, Washington's NBC affiliate:

George Michael, the longtime NBC4 sports anchor known nationally for his syndicated sports highlights show "The George Michael Sports Machine," passed away early Thursday morning at Sibley Hospital.
Michael was 70 years old.
Known for his boisterous, energetic storytelling and sense of humor, Michael served as sports director for WRC-TV, NBC's D.C. affiliate, for 27 years. Started as a local program in the early '80s, "The Sports Machine" was syndicated in 1984 and aired Sunday nights across the country for more than two decades.
"George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years," NBC4 said in a statement released Thursday morning. "He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area. George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting. 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."
Michael was the forerunner of the highly packaged sports highlight shows that have become the bread and butter of ESPN.

According to those knowledgeable about such things, Michael also gave early attention to sports like bull riding and NASCAR before they became TV staples.