We’re hearing that suspended MSNBCer David Shuster, in the recent dust up with the Washington Examiner about playing for the network’s softball team, tried to flex his muscles against the paper.

…”Do you guys want me to own the D.C. Examiner?” he wrote in an e-mail that circulated to top dogs including chief political correspondent Byron York. “If so, keep it up. “..Byron, this is your last chance. I am dead serious.”

He signed the e-mail: “D”

Shuster did not respond to a FBDC request for comment by press time. Should he respond, we will bring his comments to you.

Update: Shuster has declined to comment on this. Should he change his mind we’ll let you know.

Note to readers: This isn’t Shuster’s actual bicep, but a depiction. For a backgrounder read the original Examiner piece here. Read Shuster’s response here.