Stewart - Not a Man of Words
Earlier this week, Racingone.com reported that Tony Stewart used foul language on live television … I just can’t tell you how surprised I am to hear this (note the subtle sarcasm in that comment). Stewart was reportedly engaged in conversation with fellow driver Robby Gordon when approached by a ESPN2 Cameraman, in which Stewart allegedly told the reporter to “Get the [expletive] away from me.”
This definitely is not the first time that the two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion has found himself in trouble for similar off-track incidents. He was placed on probation back in April when he commented on NASCAR officiating and compared it to that of professional wrestling, and he was also fined $25,000 and docked 25 driver points for swearing on live tv following his victory in Indianapolis. Even before 2007, though, the long-time driver of the Home Depot Chevrolet has built a reputation of being the recipient of numerous fines and suspensions that cannot be rivaled by any other in the sport today. During his first championship run back in 2002, Stewart accumulated well over $100,000 in fines and was even placed on probation by Home Depot themselves!
NASCAR reportedly refused to speculate on any potential penalties that might be issued to Stewart, but I would imagine that it will be somewhat reflective of the penalty Carl Edwards received following his victory last week at Dover … 25 driver points and $25,000 in fines. If that’s the case, then I’ve got to pose the question – where’s the justification in that? Seriously, Carl Edwards’ team got caught up in an incident that could easily be viewed as cheating, and Tony Stewart will probably suffer the same consequences for using a poor choice of words. I understand that these guys are professional athletes and should be held to a higher standard, but to me there’s a clear cut difference in bad attitude and a lack of integrity. In my opinion, it’s like locking up a guy that got caught selling marijuana in the same cell as cold blooded murderers. Is it wrong? Of course it is, but there’s also absolutely no real comparison.
Call me old fashioned, call me old school, call me what you will – but, I long for the days when NASCAR’s sanctioning body lets these guys go out and race and bases their points standings on that alone. Give me some consistency in your rulebook and punishments and quit giving me excuses as to why this guy got this and that guy got that. Hopefully NASCAR will not make any irrational decisions regarding this incident. Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but I guess you can just call me a man of faith at the moment as well.
Tags: Carl Edwards, NASCAR, nextel cup series, robby gordon, Tony StewartRelated Stories
POSTED IN: NASCAR
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