Update #2: The Top 10 Things I Think I Plagiarize from Peter King (and now others, too)



In an unsurprising development, Ken Powers was fired last night by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, in part for plagiarizing Peter King of Sports Illustrated. But now we learn a new part: since the story first broke two days ago, the Telegram & Gazette has discovered "at least a half dozen other cases" of plagiarism by Powers.



In fact, consider a newly-discovered example of Powers' plagiarism, as revealed by the person who originally broke the story, Bruce Allen of Boston Sports Media Watch: An NFL.com column from November 2, 2004 versus a Powers' column, published in the November 7, 2004 edition of the Telegram & Gazette:





NFL.com: Last week, it was "21 & Done," as a sign at Heinz Field read when the Steelers broke the unprecedented 21-game regular-season-and-playoff consecutive victory streak of the New England Patriots.

Ken Powers: Last week, it was "21 and Done," as a sign at Heinz Field read when the Steelers broke the Patriots' unprecedented 21-game regular-season and playoff winning streak.

NFL.com: The "Flock" touches down in "Roethlis-burgh," as they're calling it after stellar Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Ken Powers: Pittsburgh was abuzz last week about the "Flock," as the Eagles are called, touching down in "Roethlis-burgh," as the town is being called to pay tribute to starring Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

NFL.com: Big Ben has captured Steel City hearts by not exactly coming from nowhere -- he was the team's first-round draft choice this year -- but by not only starting the team's past five games, but winning them. If Pittsburgh wins, he will tie former Steeler Mike Kruczek (1976) for the most consecutive victories by an NFL rookie QB since 1970.

Ken Powers: Big Ben has captured Steel City hearts by not exactly coming from nowhere -- he was the team's first-round draft choice (11th overall) this year and starting and winning the team's last five games. With a victory today, he can tie former Steeler Mike Kruczek for the most consecutive wins by an NFL rookie QB since 1970. Kruczek went 6-0 in 1976.

Despite evidence now showing repeated instances of plagiarism, Powers insists that his termination is unjustified, especially considering his "spotless record" (note: I am not sure what he means by "spotless" -- they must have changed Webster's Dictionary on me when I wasn't looking). In fact, here are his remarks as told to WBZ-TV in Boston: "I am disappointed that a 20-year spotless record doesn't mean anything. The termination is a terrible injustice to me."



Sounds like someone is preparing for a wrongful termination lawsuit. Good luck with that!



For previous coverage of this story, check out two earlier posts (Feb. 3) and (Feb. 2).



P.S.: Congrats to Bruce Allen for getting mention in the New York Times for breaking this story. Bruce was the one who took the time to compare the texts. It's nice to see an on-line publication beat out the print media, and then arguably the most prestigious outlet of the print media praising that on-line publication.

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