Washington ( CNN ) -- Veteran sports anchor George Michael died early Thursday after a two-year battle with cancer , according to his former TV station . Michael , 70 , was known nationally for `` The George Michael Sports Machine , '' a syndicated TV show that ran nationwide for 27 years . He was a sports anchor on WRC-TV -- NBC 's channel 4 in Washington , D.C. -- for more than 25 years . `` Michael was a prominent fixture , providing the most accurate and spirited sports news and highlights , '' Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty said . `` He truly captured the hearts and minds of sports fans in the District and around the country . '' A statement issued by the station said `` George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting . '' `` He was a gifted interviewer , a master storyteller , and one of the hardest working journalists out there , '' the station said . Michael retired from broadcasting in March 2007 . He is survived by his wife , Pat , and his daughter , Michelle Allen , the station said .
`` The George Michael Sports Machine , '' a syndicated TV show , ran for more than 25 years . He was a sports anchor for D.C. 's CNN affiliate for 27 years . Station : `` He was a gifted interviewer , a master storyteller '' Survivors include his wife , Michelle , and daughter Michelle .