Mike Barnicle

Hotline On Call/National Journal

By Rachelle Douillard-Prouix

During this morning’s broadcast of “Morning Joe,” MSNBC’s Willie Geist had a (lighthearted) bone to pick with Mike Barnicle over sarcastic comments the latter made during the show’s Wednesday broadcast. To highlight the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center that took place last night, Geist reported live from the courtyard.

Barnicle, following Geist’s report from in front of the hulking tree: “I finally realized what I want for Christmas, Willie. I would like to see that tree fall right on you right now.”

Geist reported this morning on the show that he had received many emails regarding Barnicle’s comments, and demanded an apology.

Geist: “He said he wanted the tree to fall on me. I’ve received a number of emails, including from members of my own family, attacking Mike Barnicle.

Mike Barnicle, what say you, sir?”

Barnicle, reading from newspaper coverage of the statement golfer Tiger Woods released in light of his own recent controversy: “Willie, and all of you people out there, let me just say, I have let my family down, and I regret those transgressions with all my heart. I have not been true to my values in that statement yesterday.”

Continued Barnicle: “And I’m far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior, and personal failings, behind closed doors with Willie and my family. So, I beg your forgiveness.”

Geist: “I forgive you for your personal failings. Thank you, Mike Barnicle. Apology accepted.”

9/16/09: Barnicle is OK with the recent public, profanity-laced outbursts of tennis greats Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Swearing is everywhere, he says.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/09/16/91609-swearing-in-sportsculture.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

9/14/09: In between the weekend’s sports contests, thousands gathered in Washington D.C. for a rally, during which Barnicle says the growing hatred for Barack Obama reached fever pitch.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/09/14/91409-rally-in-washingtonpresident-obama.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

9/2/09: Barnicle has a lot to say about the National Football League and the organization’s recent decision not to air games on TV in the home team’s market unless they sell out their games.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/09/02/9209-nfl.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

8/10/09: Barnicle talks about the past weekend’s contest between the Red Sox and the Yankees and the rancor between the fans.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/08/11/81009-red-soxyankees.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

8/7/09: Barnicle talks about the Red Sox v. Yankees last night, where the Yankees beat the Sox for the first time this season. Mike also talks about the New Yankee Stadium.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/08/07/8709-red-soxyankees-and-yankee-stadium.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

8/5/09: Barnicle ponders whether David Ortiz will hold a press conference addressing why his name was on a list of 2003 players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Barnicle also says when Ortiz does talk, he’ll believe him.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/08/05/8509-david-ortiz-upcoming-press-conferencesteroids-in-baseball.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

7/31/09: Barnicle talks about the shocking but not surprising allegation that David Ortiz took performance enhancing drugs back in 2003.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/07/31/73109-david-ortiz.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

7/20/09: Barnicle pays homage to 59-year-old Tom Watson’s recent run at the British Open.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/07/20/72009-tom-watsonbritish-open.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.

6/24/09: High school sports teams go unfunded and the terrible impact that has on kids.

Listen here: http://barnicle.969fmtalk.mobi/2009/06/24/62409-high-school-sports.aspx

“Barnicle’s View”, with Mike Barnicle, Imus in the Morning, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 6:55a & 8:55a.