Subscribe to this blog's feed« Getting Married! | Main | TV announcers »
Shane doesnt deserve another chance
I guess I should be getting ready for my wedding this morning but I have to make one last comment on this whole Shane Hmiel thing. What an idiot. We all have made mistakes before and most of us have learned from them. Shane made his last year and basically laughed at everyone in the sport and did nothing. I remember reading his statement after last years failed test and hearing him talk about the embarrassment for his family, team, and himself. So I thought, hey this guy ain't so bad. Now this. What more of an opportunity can you ask for in this business. He has a good team, he's running OK and he goes out and fails a drug test. At least do it in the off season if you have to do it. We're right in the middle of the season. In my opinion everyone deserves a second chance, in this case, Shane doesn't deserve a third. Get rid of him and give some one a chance who wants to be there.
June 4, 2005 in Race talk | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451bce769e200d8347d6aad69e2
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Shane doesnt deserve another chance:
Comments
I couldn't agree more. There must be thousands of young racers out there who'd run barefoot through hellfire to get one shot at the chance Shane has now thrown away twice.
I hope that the wedding goes off well and that you and your bride have a long and happy marriage. Best wishes on this joyful day.
Posted by: M. B. Voelker | Jun 4, 2005 9:17:38 AM
Ditto... now got get ready man... Congratulations to the both of you today!
Posted by: M Benson | Jun 4, 2005 9:18:55 AM
I could not agree with you more. Shane deserves nothing more than to be a car washer for NASCAR. What an idiot.I hope a really good, clean kid gets that ride. I bet his father is real proud of his boy right now. Shane is lucky that he got suspended, because Dale Jarrett and some other veterans are long over his attitude and actions, and he was a target.
Posted by: JPHolcomb | Jun 4, 2005 9:51:09 AM
Yup, lifetime ban I say.
Posted by: Shane | Jun 4, 2005 10:19:03 AM
JPHolcomb,
I disagree, he should have NOTHING to do with nascar, even washing cars. As the saying goes, ZERO tolerance!
Trent, good luck and again, congratulations!
Posted by: Marty | Jun 4, 2005 10:36:50 AM
What is he thinking? What a letdown to his team, sponsor, and not to say family! I can't believe that token it up can be more important than your career. I guess he musta sought guidance from Ricky Williams.
Trent, no offense man, but drop the board for a day and go get married!!!
Posted by: Mr Mom | Jun 4, 2005 10:38:17 AM
First, as they say, Nascar gotta do what Nascar gotta do. Hmiel's problems are his.
Second, I feel for Steve Hmiel: new crew chief job on a team in flux, and now this on top of it?
Third, every time I read one of these stories, the power of drugs astounds me. "Shane: you have a choice. You can make a terrific living doing what you love, OR you can do drugs and throw it all away!" "Well, I'll take the second choice, thank you." Amazing.
Posted by: Doug | Jun 4, 2005 1:12:46 PM
Well said Trent! This idoit should'nt even be allowed near a Nascar track. He continues to risk the lives of 40 other drivers week in and week out. Park the moron for life and start weekly drug testing in ALL 3 series for every driver. Racing is'nt a place for dopies to make millions and risk "real racers" lives.
Now go get married my friend1 Is Ryan letting you borrow "Popeye" to drive off in tonite? lol
Posted by: Hoosier Rebel from RNO | Jun 4, 2005 1:51:01 PM
I feel like Shane had his chance to "clean up" and change the image fans of NASCAR had about him in 2003! Now this SHAME on SHANE!
This isn't baseball there is no foul balls or 3 strikes your out! He is putting 43+drivers and 100+ crew members, Nascar off., and med workers lives in his hands every week! What gives him the right to take these people lives into his hands?
I am sorry Shane but you had your chance to redeem yourself and you blew it.... or should I say you inhaled it?
Posted by: Jamie roots4Ryan | Jun 5, 2005 12:35:59 AM
Sure, I agree, we should just give up on people. Matter of fact, if we do not allow people to make more than one mistake we should go ahead and ask President Bush to resign--how many times can one lie to the public and be forgiven. Regardless, I assume that everyone who responded that Hmiel is endangering the welfare of others does not drink—alcohol is a drug. Furthermore, according to the logic that drugs endanger others we should ban Jr. and all the other drivers who frequently advocate drinking. Alcohol causes more fatal driving accidents yearly than marijuana, lsd, and the other so-called drugs (not my opinion, but the opinion of the NHSTD).
My point here is not that drugs are good, but that if you are going to condemn someone for taking one substance you should condemn everyone who takes a substance. When you get on a soap box you are not allowed to pick and choose who you chastise--it does not work that way. However, assuming that everyone who has condemned Hmiel does not drink coffee, beer, soft drinks, etc. i guess we do not have a lot of hypocrites on this board.
Posted by: Ed | Jun 5, 2005 1:14:41 AM
i couldn't agree more with ed. shane f'd up big time! no doubt. he should no better. But I find it hard to believe that something he could of done a week... or a month before, was endangering himself or oethers on the track. and again, by that logic, the guy who had a few too many beers the night before is just as much a dagner then!
Posted by: Sean Kennedy | Jun 5, 2005 4:31:08 AM
Ed,
Did you really need to drag you Anti Bush bashing into this discussion about Shane Hmiel.
Sean,
If this was over something as simple as OTC medicine you might be right, but I seriously doubt NASCAR is making such a deal over this if it was OTC. After all what type of OTC medicines require counseling to stop taking it?
Posted by: Jon | Jun 5, 2005 5:14:10 AM
Jon,
Yes, my comment was relevant to the discussion. If a person fails a drug test twice and is not allowed in Nascar then I would hope you would apply the same logic to the most powerful office in the world. Our President has freely admitted that he was on drugs in the 70s and 80s. Thus, he would have failed more than one drug test and would not be allowed to race in Nascar. It goes to my original comment, when you make a stand you must hold everyone in the same light for your argument to be valid.
Furthermore, what about Tim Richmond? Nascar hated the guy, kicked him out once, etc. He was a great driver that added a lot to the sport and he failed his tests.
Additionally, the fact remains that if we hold drivers to the standard that they endanger people by doing drugs, Nascar needs to begin blood tests before the race to ensure that the drivers have not had a drink in the previous three days. I agree with everyone, however, my point is that we cannot use a double standard--if Hmeil is a bad guy, so is everyone who has a drink before a race.
Posted by: Ed | Jun 5, 2005 9:59:11 AM
Ed "Yes, my comment was relevant to the discussion."
No it isn't. If Shane Hmiel said that he used drugs when he was 14, I wouldn't care. But he is using NOW, not 10 or 20 years ago, NOW. That's the fact that makes your point irrelevant. I didn't care for Bill Clinton at the time he held office, but I didn't hold his drug use one or two decades ago aginst him. The point is, Hmiel is (maybe was) a member of a private organization that has the authority to make its own rules and poilicies. If he doesn't want to follow them, he can leave voluntarily. If the organization doesn't take action on his violations, then it appears as if they have no authority. I would prefer a lifetime suspension, but the rest of this year and all of next would be cool too I guess.
Posted by: Shane | Jun 5, 2005 10:13:54 AM
Ed, you got to be kidding me. First you bring politics into a racing forum and then you try and take up for a guy who doesnt deserve it. Dont bash Bush either, he s my boy, and second, Shane Hmiel had one chance and messed up and now he has done it again. I wouldnt say everyone needs to turn on the guy, but I wouldnt let him back into racing anytime soon. So Ed, since your the only person on here who thinks that Shane shouldnt be singled out, what should his punishment be. He got off easy last time and didnt learn a thing. Holla back.
Posted by: trent | Jun 5, 2005 10:33:55 AM
Yes, Ed, actually when NASCAR is on the soapbox they do get to pick and choose who they chastise. And another thing there Ed, you're an idiot by comparing the use of coffee, caffine & alcohol to using crystal meth! This is not a Greatful Dead blog. Driving a race car is not the same as singing cumbyahh around the campfire. People can get killed in this sport.
Hmeil knew the rules and now he is going to face the consequenses. He will probably have a bright future detailing cars now.
Posted by: uncle Buddy | Jun 5, 2005 10:48:03 AM
Shane,
A lifetime ban for an indiscretion would mean that if Hmeil used drugs when he was 14 he would never have been given the chance to race in the first place--that was my point. Thus, it is relevant. If we set a litmus test that bans someone forever, we are writing off perhaps a driver that has a lot to offer for a mistake. Shane, I agree with the latter part of your statement, you are providing Hmeil a chance to rehabilitate himself, you are not giving up on him and this is what should be done--ban the guy for a year or two, but do not throw him away.
Trent,
I think a two year suspension would work. During that time Hmeil should submit to monthly testing to ensure that he has kicked his habit. When and if he comes back he should be tested before each race--drug testing is instantaneous now, thus if he messed up he would not be allowed in the car.
Uncle Buddy,
I would recommend first that you go to the Federal Drug Administration's website where you will find that my statements on alcohol, caffeine, etc. are not incorrect, but valid scientific findings. Secondly, it is Grateful Dead, not Greatful. And lastly detailing cars is not a bad job, it is a job. I am sorry that you hold people who work in such positions as beneath you; but hey we need snobs in the world.
Posted by: ED | Jun 5, 2005 11:30:54 AM
WELL I can say I don't drink coffee, Alcohol or soda pop! I stopped drinking soda last year! So I guess I have a right to say that SHANE IS A DUMB ASS and for that needs to be knocked down a few knotches~ I am sick of the hoiler than thou CRAP he pulls with other drivers and NASCAR needs to hold strong to their PUNISHMENT!!!
If I were a driver I would demand that NASCAR not let him back in the sport!
This is their SAFETY!!!!! I would go on strike to prove my point if I were driving! JMO!
Posted by: Jamie Roots4Ryan | Jun 5, 2005 2:08:57 PM
Ed, the biggest problem with what Hmeil did is that he is in a situation with 43 other guys.This does NOT just affect HIM!!! At Talladega the speeds approach 200 MPH. What he deserved before he was dismissed was to have the other guys beat the crap out of him for putting them in that situation.
After what he has done, can you HONESTLY say that if you are Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, or Greg Biffle you are gonna TRUST Shane Hmeil IF he ever actually gets another ride?(I doubt he ever will)
NO WAY would I want somebody that unstable drafting with me at Talladega or following me at Bristol.
Do you really think that people who HAVE to trust the drivers they race with every week are going to trust him? I doubt it!
To be honest, I DOUBT he will be missed anyway, he has never impressed me as anything more than a pompous arrogant prick.
In the situation that Nascar drivers are in, the ONLY thing you can go on is PAST HISTORY.
His SUCKS, he has no respect for any other driver and he has obviously used drugs at some recent point, if not he wouldn't have failed the test. It is VERY possible that he used drugs at some point that affected his driving. NOBODY KNOWS. (HEY, did you see that idiot at Darlington? Talk about a loose cannon!!)
If he has used drugs that affected him during a race, he deserves a HELL of a lot worse than getting indefinitely suspended, he deserves jailtime.
And OH Yeah - HEY LIBERALS !!!! - BUSH WON BUILD A DAMN BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Newman Fan | Jun 5, 2005 11:18:57 PM
Ed,
You really need to get your facts straight, especially if you are going to bring our Commander in Chief into the discussion. Bush never lied! Stop drinking the koolaid! And yes, I do drink... responsibly, at home, and not on the road. And yes, in my younger days I did experiment with drugs, but I am not in a position that puts lives at danger. Hmeil put lives in danger.
As I stated before in a previous post on one of these boards, the military has a ZERO tolerance for drug abuse. Get caught once, your out. Yes Shane has a problem. yes he needs help, and yes he needs to find another line of work.
Posted by: Marty | Jun 6, 2005 7:42:12 AM
I agree, I think Shane should be OUT! If you let people like this stay in the sport it really jeopardizes the integrity of the sport! Just look at football. I used to love football, especially the Cowboys, but I can't stand it now because it's nothing but a bunch of dopers! Anyone who thinks Hmiel deserves ANOTHER chance is an idiot! He got his second chance and he blew it! Maybe he should go try out for the Dallas Cowboys, they seem to give plenty of chances!
Posted by: Stewart Fan | Jun 6, 2005 9:28:45 AM
Shane should be banned for life after some of the stunts he pulled, not just for the drug use! Get someone more derserving on the track!
Posted by: Grumpy Old Man | Jun 6, 2005 9:42:21 AM
Ed, your arguments are very immature. You're arguing morality, i.e. you're arguing for the equitability of who gets condemned by whom. That's not a qualification here.
Shane Hmiel has been suspended (for life, I hope!) for two reasons: 1. what he did endangered hundreds of innocent people, and 2. it's a business decision. NASCAR is a business, and a privately held, family-owned one at that. They've decided it's in the interest of their business to adopt a tough stance on substances, unlike, say, baseball, where Steve Howe was let back in the league 5 or 6 times; or the NBA, where some guy whose name I don't even remember got 4 chances. (There may even be a third reason: the substance Hmiel took was illegal. We don't know that yet, as there has been no announcement, and there are some legal substances that NASCAR doesn't allow).
Any morality arguments of what Shane Hmiel did are way down the list of why he deserves to be banned, and if personal flawlessness were a qualification for judging such things, no one would ever be entitled to judge anyone because everyone (including you and me) is flawed in some way. Grownups know that, and get on with real life. Only children on the playground hang onto the fantasy that everything always has to be "fair."
Posted by: Rick | Jun 6, 2005 10:15:13 AM
Shane Hmiel has blown it again. Give the #32 ride to Kerry Earnhardt, let's see what he can do with a good ride.
Posted by: 19Jay12 | Jun 6, 2005 11:01:02 AM
Way to go Rick , your the first to mention that we dont know what substance was found . So people should get off their soap boxes because they just watched the latest segment of 60 minutes or whatever on crystal meth and now their experts on the whole drug culture and how it effects society ,dont be so quick to judge anyone as you lite up your Winston or open that Bud to wash down your Viagra ! rules are rules and should be enforced . Ed
Posted by: Ed | Jun 6, 2005 11:13:52 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Advertisements
