George Michael Sports Machine Dead

In other words headdy, my dealings with him were strictly short like hi and bye type of stuff. He didn't give me any problems and that's pretty much it on my end. And Merry Christmas to you too. Hope Santa gives you everything you are looking for under your tree.

 

RIP, Mr. Michael.

Remember you from my suburban D.C. childhood/adolescence/whatever followed, and you had a zest for your job. You liked your job. You were a D.C. icon.

Check that.

Still are.

Sad to see cancer claim yet another victim. Condolences to the family.

 

Remember his show for the terrier race highlights. Definitely a pioneer. R.I.P.

 

I started watching the Sports Machine when I was in 5th grade here in Iowa. I would sneak downstairs after my parents would turn in for the night in their bedroom, head into the den, and flip on the TV to see George and that big board with the big buttons.

Mr. Tony, Wilbon, and Sonny were on ESPN 980 today and they said without fail that George may have been tough to work with, but he worked hard at his craft to be the best. David Aldridge pointed out that George did soften up a bit after Glenn Brenner died.

There's no way that I can speak on how special those times were in DC with Glenn, Gordon, Maureen Bunyan, Vance, Bob Ryan, Arch Campbell, and George. Those who live out there can speak on it better than anyone.

I'm going to miss George.

 

Here's a question: How successful was he financially, considering he had a show in syndication? Or did Channel 4 collect all the paychecks from that show?

 

I think I was the last person to watch the Sports Machine. He was inevitably the only thing on at 12:30 am on a Sunday night on the hotel TV. It was oddly comforting to watch him just like I did when I was 14.

 

D.C. Sports Bog is must reading today for anyone who admired or wants to learn about GM.

 

The 1993 plays of the year. My favorite show every year.

 

I'm sure there will be a moment of silence at the next rodeo clown convention.

 

Yes, huge ego, from people I knew who worked there.

TV ego, as long as its not abusive, is normal. (I still have one even my recent 'slide' in this business).

In the handful of times I had contact with him, he was appreciative and gracious -- maybe it was because I 'spoke his language' (as a fellow TV sports guy).