This week, The Post’s Andrew Marchand spoke with Yankee TV play-by-player and 1050-ESPN Radio host Michael Kay. Kay, 42, has broadcast Yankee games for the past 12 years.
Q: What’s going on with you and WFAN’s Chris Russo?
A: I’m a little shocked at Chris. He was a friend. He has been to my home for my Christmas party. I considered him a very good friend. Then he goes on the air knocking things that I’ve done on YES. I don’t quite get that.
I don’t see why it would be his position to do that. There are people in newspapers who do it and do it quite well. I have great friends in this business, and if anyone asked me about any one of them on my talk show, I would not knock a friend of mine. I would just recuse myself from the conversation.
Q: What’s the biggest problem?
A: My biggest problem with Chris is that he tries to come across as a friend to everybody [but later criticizes you]. I’ve seen and heard him do it to other people. I guess it doesn’t really hit home until it happens to you. I’ve seen him do it to [WFAN Met beat reporter] Ed Coleman over and over and over again.
I realize he will do anything to fill up his 5 ½ hours on the air. I think that’s unfortunate.
Q: You have said you are friends with Al Leiter. How do you avoid a conflict?
A: Let’s put it this way: I have dealt with everything that has come up that Al Leiter’s been a part of. I have gone out of my way to ask him if he had blood on his hands about [Bobby] Valentine. I have asked him every question that is in the news.
Can I honestly say I would rip him? If I felt he was doing something wrong, I would bring it up, but I don’t think I would hammer him.
Q: You admit doing the Yankees and a talk show is not ideal. Could you foresee saying something on your talk show that gets the Yankees mad and you fired?
A: I could see one day probably having to make a choice where either side gets ticked off. That is not a day that I look forward to.
Q: What choice would you make?
A: I certainly know the choice I would have to make. The Yankees are my main source in terms of employment, and that is the thing I have always wanted to do. They have been great about it. They have heard me being negative about them as well. I don’t think it thrills them, but they realize that is what is on the plate career-wise for me right now.
Yeah, I could see some day, somehow, where something comes to a head and something has to give.
