By Jeff Moss
May 10, 2012
DetroitSportsRag@gmail.com
As many of you know from reading my columns on the DSR in recent months, I have been in discussions with ESPN1090 to co-host a radio show on Detroit’s most recent entry into the sports talk genre.
As I wrote on this site a couple of months ago, the only reason that I had ANY interest in such an endeavor was because of the involvement of my friend, Rob Otto, who had been hired as the station’s sports director in February.
After Otto’s hiring there were talks between ESPN1090 and myself to co-host a 6 to 8 pm weeknight shift after I explained to Otto and the station’s General Manager (Buzz Van Houten) that I couldn’t host a 1-3 pm program because of my actual job.
I was told that any gig wouldn’t occur until May because all of the owner’s money was tied up in building a lavish studio/office in Bingham Farms. Brilliantly, 1090’s owner, Sima Birach, Jr., decided to throw money into a new studio instead of hiring actual on-air talent first to get the ball rolling.
So I waited for the potential opportunity to occur. In the meantime, Otto and I discussed the possibility that I would offer taped commentaries that would air during ESPN programming until the 1090 budget provided for actual live local programming.
The sales person at ESPN1090 actually came up with an ad rate for the rants, which were going to tentatively be called, “Two-Minutes for Mossisms.”
I even introduced a potential advertiser to the station in an effort to get this project off the ground.
A few weeks went by and Otto and I had exchanged emails about the proposed commentaries, but not much occurred because I was extremely busy at my REAL JOB and I was actually more interested in doing the live show anyway. (As was the sponsor I was going to bring in.)
Soooooo ….over the last few days I had heard whispers that things at ESPN were going off the rails.
It seems that Birach, Jr. had the wonderful idea to introduce ESPN1090 to the market with a Red Wings playoff pregame show featuring former goalie, Eddie Mio. Obviously, Greg Stefan, Corrado Micalef and Tim Cheveldae were previously engaged.
Originally, I thought this was a decent idea for a show DURING the Wings playoff run. Unfortunately, that lasted about a week since the Nashville Predators rudely eliminated Detroit from the postseason in five games.
So, I figured (like anyone with an IQ over 65) that the Red Wings pregame show would disappear since, ya know, the Wings were off in Europe playing in the World Championships.
But that isn’t what occurred. This idiotic show continued. Now, look, discussing the Wings on local sports radio isn’t exactly the series finale of M*A*S*H ratings winner as it is. But attempting to provide LOCAL content when the Western Conference Finals is a matchup between Phoenix and Los Angeles?!?!?!?!?!
That would be like Fox News hiring Barney Frank and Seth Rudetsky to replace Sean Hannity at 9pm.
Except, worse.
So over the last few days I contemplated blasting ESPN1090 for this asinine programming decision even though I felt I was still in a position for a gig over there. Because, that is the kind of jackass I am.
And I felt not criticizing 1090 was hypocritical because I rip on EVERYONE else and it would look ridiculous if I didn’t comment on this nonsense.
The main reason I didn’t go ballistic though is because I didn’t want to put Otto in a bad position with his boss who I had learned through the grapevine was HYPER, HYPER, HYPER SENSITIVE to ANY criticism.
So I waited. And then on Wednesday I learned that Otto and ESPN1090 had parted ways. I didn’t know if Rob had been fired or quit or what, but I heard rumblings that he wasn’t being allowed to do his job as sports director.
That Eddie Mio had a job because he was allegedly “drinking buddies” with Birach, Jr. That the owner of the station’s dream team for the pending afternoon drive show was Mio paired with Darren McCarty. I shit you not.
(I could probably write a 3,000 word article on what an EPICALLY AWFUL idea it would be for two HOCKEY players to co-host a sports show in Detroit, but someone just stole my credit card to take to the Greektown Casino and I gotta chase after him.)
I also heard a rumor that Birach, Jr. had hired an update girl without telling Otto. And this female reporter was given the gig without the job being open to other applicants. You could read 1,000 things into this employment practice, but I will let you make the call™ (Alcoa.)
After doing my due diligence on the owner of ESPN1090, the ONLY way I was getting involved with the station was IF Otto was involved. Once he was gone, I wasn’t interested at all.
All you have to do is Google “Sima Birach, Jr.” and “lawsuit” and you can figure out why I wasn’t anxious about joining that team without a friend involved. Or you can just stay tuned and click on some of the links I provide below.
ANYWAY, on Wednesday I sent a Tweet to Birach, Jr. stating the following:
“@SimaBirachJr people barely want to listen to Wings talk in this city. There is no market for a show about the Coyotes and Kings.”
For me, that was a fairly innocuous message that was just meant to needle the guy about his idiotic programming decisions.
Well, it led to a Twitter War which in my opinion exceeded my previous battles with Terry Foster and Gregg Henson on the social media platform.
I was actually flabbergasted at some of the Tweets from Birach, Jr. Keep in mind when reading these messages that the man OWNS several radio stations. Including one that is associated with ESPN. A corporation that is hypersensitive™ (Sima Birach, Jr.) about anything that is considered controversial.
So when the dude started blasting me with homophobic barbs, well, I was pretty freaking shocked.
The following is the back-and-forth “discussion” from Wednesday night and early Thursday morning between the OWNER of ESPN1090 and myself.
(Because Twitter is awful, some of the Tweets might be slightly out-of-order. But you should get the gist.)
Enjoy.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR @ESPNDetroit It’s heartbreaking that our Wings lost, but there are thousands of people who are hockey fans in general, like me!
Junior: @JeffMossDSR @simabirachjr And just curious, this comes from your extensive ownership and programming experience?
Junior: @JeffMossDSR @simabirachjr Or is this from your extensive actual ownership and management of an actual station – not some blog like anyone?
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Dude, shouldn’t you be out drinking with Eddie Mio or hiring update girls you want to bang or getting sued by EVERYONE?
Junior: @SimaBirachJr @JeffMossDSR And just out of curiosity, is the view good from the cheap seats? It must be, because you’re never positive ever
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I am here in the cheap seats with all of the radio talent you have stiffed for money.
Junior: As for Rob (Otto), how about the biggest waste of time and money I’ve ever seen in a supposed employee. The only mistake was not firing him day !!
Moss: Yep.//RT @remodelguy73: @JeffMossDSR @SimaBarachJr does he own 1090?
Moss: If you are missing my current Twitter discussion with @SimaBirachJ right now then you are missing out on DSR gold.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR @simabirachjr I’d love to know how you would know this with your extensive ownership and programming experience? Delusional…
Junior: @JeffMossDSR DSR Gold? You’re a wannabe broadcaster. How about this – go **** yourself. You are literally an insurance salesman joke. HA
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I am delusional? Just answer the questions. Is Ed Mio a drinking buddy? Did you hire an update girl who you want to fuck?
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Are the allegations that you used company funds for personal use accurate? John Edwards is ashamed of that behavior.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I gotta go talk to Rich Fisher, Bill Bonds and Rachel Nevada about your business practices.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You do realize that not a single actual broadcaster pays attention to you right? You’re a wannabe and nothing else… Hahaha!
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You are insane. Let it be public record that I’m offering Valenti to pay all legal fees for him to sue your dumb ass.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Just answer the question. Did you hire an update chick you are looking to fuck and is Mio working there cuz u owe him $$$?
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Please don’t tell all 22 of your Twitter followers about me.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR 2 weeks ago you were BEGGING for 2 minutes a day for your “mossisms”. I dare you to say any of this to my actual face coward
Junior: @JeffMossDSR All this from an insurance salesman? Fuck you and your supposed fans. As for Otto, he was literally incompetent – like you.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR As for on-air talent – what the hell do you know about hiring or running a radio station? Ha! or better yet being talented?
Moss: @SimaBirachJr You can’t even pay to hire on-air talent yet you are going to pay Valenti’s legal bills? Hahahhahaahhahaaha.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Are you fucking kidding me? Begging? I will post the advertising rates you guys came up with.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR Please do, I’d love to see them.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I don’t sell insurance idiot. Ur an abomination who is running a radio station w/ drinking buddies and girls you want to fuck
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Keep running HOCKEY shows and hiring drinking buddies. I am sure 97.1 is terrified about the Ed Mio Show.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I pay for ACTUAL talent – not wannabe’s – hence why your begging to be on the air never made it or had a chance – or your buddy
Junior: @JeffMossDSR And I am sure that you’re still a nobody with a bitter attitude towards ACTUAL broadcasters.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Yes, I was begging. That is why your people created an ad rate to be associated with me. You are a conman.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I am going to do a Podcast with every single broadcaster you have stiffed. It should be fun.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR My official response: “WHO CARES”.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr THOUSANDS of people will care. More people read my website then know your radio station exists.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I strongly suggest you watch your words, my legal counsel is lethal. But keep up your ego to make up for your lack of manhood.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I’m sure you have a bevy of attorneys to handle all of your lawsuits. I actually am friends with one attorney who is suing u
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You are absolutely delusional – a legend in your own mind! Bye. I’m done laughing.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Bye for now. I will post the Rachel Nevada podcast when it is up.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I can’t wait to hear it
Moss: I do not think I am getting a gig at ESPN1090.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Yes, I begged you. Or I NEVER spoke with you after the Podcast. Ya fucking liar.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I don’t have one single suit, so yet again you’re lying. But you kissed my ass begging for a 2 minute “mossism” on the air. Ha
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I get over a million hits a month, Junior.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR “Thousands”? You live in a fantasy land. You’re lucky to have the actual trust of 5, let alone thousands.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Just tune in, JUNIOR
Moss: @SimaBirachJr If I bought you some drinks at a bar, would you give me an on-air shift like Ed Mio?
Moss: Remember when I got into a Twitter war with Mel Karmazin? That was the BEST.
Moss: Remember when I got into a Twitter war with Tom Chiusano? That was the BEST.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR And which “broadcaster” would that be supposedly?
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You couldn’t hold Eddie Mio’s jock strap – though you’d probably like to
Moss: I am getting blasted with homophobic Tweets by a guy who OWNS a RADIO STATION.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You’re such a loser. Your buddy gets fired for incompetence and you change your tune completely.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You didn’t ask and beg for 2 minutes a day with a supposed sponsor? You’re a liar. I knew you were then but I humored you
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I can’t wait. I also dare you to show some balls like a real man and say any of this to my face. COWARD.
Moss:.@SimaBirachJr Come down to UDetroit Cafe next Wednesday at 6pm and I will say all of this shit and more.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR Homophobic? Keep up with the attacks pal, my attorneys will have a field day coming after you. I don’t discriminate.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Telling someone they want to play with Ed Mio’s jock is homophobic. I have 20 attorneys who already want this case. Bring it.
Moss: WDFN. 97.1. ESPN1090. I gotta burn a Greater Media bridge soon.
Junior: @esca411 @JeffMossDSR Really? Did you find a single one that anyone actually won or had any merit? Oh yeah, wait, who are you?
Junior: @JeffMossDSR How you interpret it is your issue. As for your fans / followers (HA!) – get out of your mom’s basements and get a life.
Junior: @WHMissant @jeffmossdsr Yet another coward who wouldn’t have the balls to say it to my face. I love online losers…
Junior: @spirojus @JeffMossDSR EXCUSE ME? I have never and would NEVER. How dare you.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I have a lie detector guy coming to Udetroit next Wednesday. You coming so we can take a polygraph about me begging you?
Moss: …… @SimaBirachJrhttp://va.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20100427_0000050.EVA.htm/qx
Moss: …… @SimaBirachJrhttp://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/council/zah/pdf/reports/s-2677.pdf
Moss: …… @SimaBirachJrhttp://www.virginiabusinesslawupdate.com/uploads/file/Wynne%20v%20Birach.pdf
Moss: ….. @SimaBirachJrhttp://www.virginiabusinesslawupdate.com/2009/11/
Junior: @JeffMossDSR A legend in your own mind. I’m deleting twitter – never used it before and, oh yeah, I forgot that I have a life.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I wouldn’t put you on the air if you put a gun to my head. You’re nothing but negative, self-loathing, jealous and obnoxious.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR On twitter? Wow!!! You must be so proud- you and every other million person that does…
Junior: @JeffMossDSR WDFN, 97.1, ESPN 1090 – actual RADIO STATIONS and hard working people – you = nobody. At least everyone else tries.
Junior: @EricD55 @JeffMossDSR Ha! What’s your radio station’s signal like? Oh, that’s right, you don’t have one.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR I can’t believe people actually buy your crap. Oh that’s right, they don’t, that’s why you’re not on an actual radio station.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR And yes, I’d love to if I had time to waste on someone like you. Keep up the favor blasting me and my stations. We love it
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Coming to UDetroit next week, COWARD?
Junior: @JeffMossDSR Again, lost claim moron. Do your research.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR You are literally cracking me up – keep going, this is hilarious!
Junior: @JeffMossDSR It was dismissed you moron, you’re looking at the original filing. Again – great “journalistic” integrity. Ha!!!
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Was it a lost claim when you failed to respond to the sexual harassment allegations?
Junior: @erikveenhuis @JeffMossDSR Really? I can’t stop laughing! This is as entertaining as it gets!
Junior: @JeffMossDSR Thanks for the entertainment, but I have to go to sleep – I have actual work to do in the morning. Night!
Junior: @JeffMossDSR No only because you aren’t worth my time (or anyone’s for that matter). You’re a bitter, unemployed, 2-faced curmudgeon. BYE
Junior: @JeffMossDSR One last thing, you owe the folks at 97.1 and WDFN a deep and sincere apology. A real man would so I’m sure you won’t.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I will take that as a no, you showing up for the polygraph at UDetroit. COWARD.
Junior: @JeffMossDSR My God, you really are ignorant AND illiterate… This just gets better and better – I love it! Keep making me laugh.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Ok, Isiah Thomas.
Moss: @SimaBirachJr I mean, Clarence Thomas.
Moss: Sorry for clogging up anyone’s Twitter feed tonight. But it had to be done. I defend MY friends. #RobOtto
Moss: @SimaBirachJr Please go to bed. I have to organize all of these Tweets for my website now.
(Almost an hour later ……)
Junior: @JeffMossDSR Yay! You really are bored. Ran out of criticism for Valenti and other REAL broadcasters? View still good from the cheap seats?