Mike Barnicle

Passions

Vocation

Lifestyle

Traits

American journalist, a gifted writer who was accused of plagiarism; On 8/13/1998, the "New York Times" published an editorial calling for his resignation. Within 24 hours of President Clinton's confession to the nation that he had lied, Barnicle resigned after 25 years as The Globe's most popular and successful columnist. He was accused of manufacturing stories and events that were not indeed, fact, and admitted to laziness and carelessness in using material furnished by friends. At least twice, the Glove paid settlements to people who said Barnicle defamed them in racist ways, and Globe officials at least twice more admitted he said additional things that were not true. The Globe asked for his resignation on 8/19/1998. Barnicle is the son of Irish immigrants whose dad was a laborer. He grew up to be a tough Irish reporter of the old school, hanging out with cops and, familiar with the dark underbelly of the inner city, reporting on the grit and heartbreak seen daily. Few columnists can match his withering attacks on spoiled athletes, lazy judges, stupid bureaucrats or anyone else who crosses him. Dressed like a slob, puffing a cigar, he was known for cussing and getting into rows. Ultimately, it was racism that brought him down. Black columnist Patricia Smith had been fired in June for creating characters and quotes, and black ministers denounced Barnicle for the same crime. He was shocked to find that many of his colleagues resented his special status at The Globe, and that he had made enemies from among his colleagues at the paper. Other publications and newsmen, including legendary Mike Royko, accused him of making up or ripping off columns. He had been the subject of complaints that he had distorted facts at other times. Though Barnicle has a star genius for human interest writing, his derelictions were common knowledge and something The Globe tolerated. The quintessential "slimebag," Barnicle crossed the line when it was revealed that he trashed JFK Jr. in a column and then later, after his death, sang his praises. For 15 years, Barnicle has been a contributor to "Chronicle" on Channel Five TV. In late August, he requested a three-month leave of absence, saying that he needed the time to clear his name. He made a barrage of appearances, pleading his case on the "Today" show as well as every TV outlet from New England Cable News to Channel Five. With reconciliation's all around, he returned to The Globe in October. During his two months hiatus, he planned to do an occasional TV gig, settle his kids in school and "buy sneakers." Barnicle lives in a $1.7 million farmhouse in the posh suburbs of Lincoln, MA. Link to Wikipedia biography