DCRTV.com is reporting that legendary sportscaster George Michael, who was well-known nationally for his syndicated program “The George Michael Sports Machine,” and beloved in D.C. for his work with NBC4/WRC, has passed away at the age of 70. Michael had been battling cancer for two years. A Channel 4 reporter confirmed the news to the Washington Post this morning.

The last time we saw Michael regularly anchoring sports on D.C.’s airwaves was in March 2007, when he took his curtain call from NBC4, turning down a “beyond-my-wildest-dreams offer” in order save half of the station’s sports staff from the chopping block. The “Sports Machine” was a true pioneer in the world of sports broadcasting — with an dynamic edge and a personality all its own, it was certainly an influence on the institution that is ESPN’s Sportscenter, among countless other programs.

Michael’s friendly-renegade style carved out a place in so many Washingtonian hearts; this editor, upon moving here, remembers hearing about how Michael would recap professional wrestling on the five o’clock news, just because he wanted to. Things like that were why this city loved him so: a consummate, classy professional who wasn’t afraid to have fun at his job.

Certainly one of Washington’s most beloved and popular newsmen, Michael will surely be missed.

UPDATE: NBC4 has released a statement regarding Michael’s passing:

“George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years. 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.”