Years ago the Cleveland Browns my hometown team, won a big game against Houston, a victory that put them in first place and stamped them as a contender. The kid in me took over, wanting to scream to the neighbors and relive the win. There was only one place that could happen pre-ESPN: the George Michael Sports Machine. So I stayed up until 11:30 p.m. — a rare treat — watched him push that red button and relived a huge victory.
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Before ESPN arrived, it was the only way you could see your favorite team’s highlights. And if your team made it on there, it must have been a memorable game. I didn’t realize that George Michael worked as a sportscaster in Washington; or that he once worked as a DJ in New York, where he used to hang with the likes of Elvis Presley. All I knew was that, living in Cleveland, I could watch the Sports Machine and be entertained (and learn a lot about rodeos).
So I got a kick out of moving here long ago and learning that Michael was a local sportscaster. The Sports Machine faded as ESPN grew, but it was still effective. Several years ago at Redskins Park, I told George how much I still enjoyed his highlight show. ESPN has become more about the hosts proving their wit and outdoing one another; the Sports Machine stayed true to its roots, only wanting to show the highlights. He was pleased to hear that.
George was a larger-than-life personality. When he’d walk into the press room at Redskins Park, you knew it. When you left, you knew it. He was The Guy in the room, a bit bombastic and entertaining. He always knew a lot more than he divulged. A lot more. And he was fun. I also found him helpful, even to those not at his level (few were). He liked to engage reporters, challenge them on something, banter a little bit and then head to the back of the building to do his Redskins show. He was demanding — very — of those who worked for him. I didn’t work for him, so only saw one side. Yes he had a big ego; haven’t met many in the public eye who didn’t.
George was a true legend.
