Controversy has been heating up in the local New York sports media. Recently NY Post writer Phil Mushnick has called out YES Networks Michael Kay (see ya) the play by play voice of the Yankees for plagiarism.

The accusation came from comments that Mushnick made in regards to Dave Winfield being a better personality on the radio instead of TV.  Claiming that the order of which Muschnick made his written comments were copied by Kay when talking about the exact same topic on 1050 ESPN radio.

Mushnick said these exact words:

“When Kay lifts a chunk from a newspaper column, repeats it, almost word for word, on his radio show as if it’s his original thought — if he doesn’t credit the author or at least the publication in which it appeared — that’s dishonest, a form of theft.”

When Kay found out about these comments he lost it, here is what was said in response:

“If I inadvertently or unknowingly gave the same kind of thought that was in a newspaper column without crediting it, well then I apologize for that. But I want you to tell me what I did and when I did it. Because the way you write it it’s like it’s a constant thing, and that’s fraudulent on your part. Fraudulent. That is not true. And I’ve got stuff on you. You want to question ethics? I’ll bring it out, too. I’ve got plenty of things that would question your ethics and your morals and the way you do your job. And I’m going to leave it open-ended, too. How does that feel?”

Basically Kay is not denying the fact that he used his thoughts, otherwise he would have straight up denied it; mentioning he could have inadvertently used his thought. Calling Mushnick a fraud is ridiculous, just because he called you out Kay doesn’t make him a fraud; unless he made the whole situation up, which it doesn’t appear to be the case.

I do agree with Kay about Mushnick needing to calm down even if someone did use his comments. To me it would be an honour if someone wanted to use my work; that means they agree and feel its worthy enough of being repeated by someone else.

Kay really opened up a can of worms by mentioning that he has stuff on Muschnick. He went even further to make threats towards him.

“Don’t scold me. I’m not your son. How dare you scold me? You ever scolded me to my face I’d punch you in the face.

Because one day when I die more people are going to be sad than happy. And when you die it’s going to be the complete opposite. Because people hate your guts in the business. Nobody respects you and then you have the nerve to take me on? Well, it’s not going to happen.

The next time you rip me, I’ll rip you again, and I’ll say all the things I know about you. I’ll rip you again! So don’t you ever come after me, with my ethics and my morals and my honesty, because I am beyond reproach with that.”

Now those are some classy word, what a response!!!

Muschniks response:

“Fine, just as long as we can find out in alphabetical order.”

Why would Kay even go there?  I just don’t get it at all.

What is the world of journalism coming to?

First of all, even if Kay did copy word for word it’s not like he said some sort of amazing phrase or comments that are gaining worldwide recognition and notoriety. If the comments were that amazing and had some sort of potential of becoming a trademark or tagline for business or company then I could understand it; since there could be potential money made in the long run.  This is clearly not the case here just an opinion about a broadcaster.

What if Kay had the exact same thoughts on the subject?  It’s not illegal, fraudulent or unethical to share the same views and express them in a similar fashion.

As for Kay grow up. What an absolutely immature way to deal with the situation.  If you have a problem with Mushnick call him up, meet him in person, and say it to his face instead of running to another media source to publish your thoughts. That’s real nice talking about funerals and wanting to fight him.

To me it’s just another example of prominent sports journalists trying to one up each other.  Why can’t everyone just get along instead of arguing about all these little petty details? Everyone is working in an environment they are supposed to love and be passionate about. Let’s just all get along instead of having stupid quarrels like this.

Written by

Chad Margulius