George Michael the longtime sports anchor at WRC-TV who was known nationally for the syndicated “The George Michael Sports Machine,” died early this morning in Washington. A statement from NBC4 posted on NBCWashington.com reads in part:

“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.”

George Michael had been battling cancer. He was 70 years old.

> More: NBC’s Luke Russert Tweets: If you want to send George’s family a card. Write the station at 4001 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington DC, 20016. Cards mean the world.