Novak Fights Back

Columnist Bob Novak, already embroiled in the "Leakgate" scandal, nearly got into more hot water when he scuffled with a fellow airline passenger.

Novak was boarding a flight to Chicago and entering first class when he cut in front of another passenger, according to the Washington Post.

The passenger protested and laid a hand on Novak - who "responded by socking him and threatening to knock his teeth out," the Post reports.

Both parties were chided by airline staff before taking their seats.

When contacted by the Post in Hawaii, where he went to watch a University of Maryland basketball game, Novak said: "Some guy pushed me and I pushed him back. That's all there was to it."

Novak was the first journalist to identify Valerie Plame as a CIA operative.