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June 19, 2013

George Michael's Sports Machine shuts down

by Richard Keller, posted Mar 24th 2007 12:32PM

George Michael's Sports MachineCome on, admit it, you've watched George Michael's Sports Machine once or twice before. It's practically the only original programming on Sunday nights at 11:30 p.m. That, and the fact that its been on the air for 27 years. So, somewhere along the line you caught George pressing the buttons to start the reel-to-reel videotape player that showed highlights of both major and minor sporting events.

That era is now coming to an end as Michael has decided to pull the plug on the show. This Sunday will be its last broadcast. According to an article in USA Today Michael decided to end the program after NBC, who distributes Sports Machine and owns the Washington D.C. affiliate where George was a sportscaster since 1980, requested drastic staff cuts due to budgetary issues. Michael told executives that he would need to be the first person let go, and he was. Despite this, the parting between Michael and the network was amicable.

This isn't the end of sportscasting for George however. This former record promoter and DJ (who could be heard on AM powerhouses WFIL and WABC in the 60's and 70's) has been asked to call four NASCAR races on DirectTV this summer with Fox sports analyst Darrell Waltrip.

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Lowell Ray Anderson

I am in no way a sports fan but I loved George Michael's Sports Machine, especially the plays of the month. I complaigned everytime our local NBC station dropped the program, which they last did before it ended so I did not know that it was gone. I am on vacation, looking forward to seeing it, and now I find out it is gone. I truely miss you George.

June 10 2007 at 11:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rich P

What a total class act; I was in the Caribean on vacation when the plug was pulled on the Sports Machine, so ikt was doubly sad for me not to be able to see the final broadcast. George was atotal class act here in Philly as a Dj, and he was for a lot of us growing up the very first SportCenter, and with better clips and better commentary. His Plays of The Month and the Plays of The Year were always the most entertaining highlights anywhere.

Anyone know how I can get to see that final Sports Machine? Does it exist anywhere on the Internet?

Thanks George, you will be SORELY missed

May 07 2007 at 12:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ben

hey man: wus up with that, this is thee i mean thee best Sport high lights show ever of Sunday evenings. this was where i watched what i missed in any sporting event, NFL some baseball Basketball and and Most of ALL NASCAR Highlights. And now my popcorn and chip bowls are going to empty every Sunday evening along with my stomach. Now where am i going to go for the best Sport highlights.
I am sad to see you and the show go this way. Miss you GM. and good luck to where you go next.

April 09 2007 at 3:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Danielle

I am truly sad to see this show end. The Sports Machine has been part of my Sunday Night ritual for the entire 20 years I've been married. What was NBC thinking??? Has George thought about syndicating through someone else? I'm sure it would be picked up! There are so many of us loyal fans out here!

April 02 2007 at 1:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Julius May

My Sunday nights/Monday mornings watching WCAU-TV 10 will not be the same now that the Sports Machine is off the air. Thanks for a great show George.

March 27 2007 at 5:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rodney

OMG! I was stunned to hear that the show was ending. No matter how my weekend went, nor what time of year it was , I always watch THE MACHINE. It's been part of my Sunday night routine for just about all of his 27yrs. WHAT WILL I DO NOW!!! :(
You will be missed SIR.

March 27 2007 at 12:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kris Burkel

What a class act is George Michael!
What an entertaining show was his Sports Machine.
We loved your show since the early 80's.
You made all of your subjects interesting - even those that we didn't particularly care about otherwise.
The in-depth character stories were especially inspirational.
To heck with all the glam and glitter of other present day sports shows - yours was just plain good honest interesting entertainment.
We will miss you very much.

March 26 2007 at 4:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JAdelberg

George's last show was another Grand Slam.
Great memories from one of the last true Class Acts in Sports!
George Michael's Sports Machine will be truly missed by true sports fans.
Good Luck and Blessings George.

March 26 2007 at 1:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matthew Peck

I assumed he was off the air along time ago... 11:30 sunday is long past my bedtime now a days.

March 26 2007 at 8:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Judy Hiell

I can't imagine Sunday night without George Michael. My husband, Son and I would hurry home after bowling so we could watch the Sports Machine. The show was something to look forward to for us and we will miss George. So many memories. He's going out a winner in our book. George, we will miss you terribly and wish you a great life. You're the best.
Bruce and Judy

March 26 2007 at 4:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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