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October 24, 2009
Observations at random
By DAVID GREEN
Observations on the eve of Race No. 6 in the 10-race Chase to the Cup:
ITEM: Wonder what the real reaction (not the public-consumption one) will be from NASCAR if Jimmie Johnson clinches the 2009 title with two or three races left in the Chase? After all, that's what the Chase was supposed to prevent.
Is such a thing likely to occur? No. But neither is it impossible. ...
ITEM: Jeremy Mayfield goes "Outside The Lines" at 9 a.m. EDT Sunday in an ESPN interview. Previews of the conversation with ESPN's Steve Delsohn indicate that Mayfield continues to maintain his innocence regarding drug use, and states that he's being used as a sacrificial lamb to scare star drivers who, according to Mayfield, use drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
"I was worth more to them as a failed drug test then [sic] I was as a driver, owner for my team," Mayfield is quoted as saying in an ESPN press release.However this turns out, it's a sordid mess and a crying shame. ...
ITEM: What, a whole week or so without somebody claiming Danica Patrick has done a deal to race in NASCAR? ...
ITEM: In his Martinsville preview story, Jim Utter takes veteran scribe Ed Hinton to task, writing that Hinton "bemoans the lack of 'danger' in NASCAR today." I don't believe Ed was bemoaning anything; his piece merely inquires of racing fans, "Is racing dangerous enough for you anymore?"
If you read the entire piece, Hinton touches on a number of things that perhaps deserve some introspection, or at least some consideration. ...
ITEM: The "racial slur" of Juan Pablo Montoya by ESPN commentator and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese has Griese in apology mode, but will in all likelihood spell doom for Griese as a broadcaster.
It was dumb of Griese to say what he did -- because it was culturally flawed, because it was inappropriate, because it was unnecessary, but mostly because Griese should have known what the reaction to it was going to be. ...
ITEM: My pick for today? Jeff Gordon.
October 24, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
The chase is nothing but a "regular season" do-over. Sure, it can end before Homestead, but once Talladega is over, we'll start seeing that "Johnson only needs to finish 63rd this week to clinch!" stories.
A few weeks ago, an issue of Sports Illustrated had a little symbol on its cover touting that it was a "100% Favre-free issue." So it is with NASCAR this week.
JPM and Griese: maybe it's insensitive of me, but I am very tired of this super-heightened sensitivity stuff. Griese isn't president, he's a football player. Let it go, people. This is a non-story.
Martinsville: Montoya continues to impress the heck out of me. But so does the 48 team.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Oct 26, 2009 11:25:54 AM
Doug, Actually what probably got Bob Greiese in trouble was he is a member of the media. I'm sure ESPN wasn't to thrilled about it.
Yea it seems trivial. But thats the world we live in today.
Posted by: 68 camaro ss | Oct 26, 2009 6:04:35 PM
I predict, Denny Hamlin. ha.
Jeremy's deal is a no win for everyone, inside and outside the sport.
Only the Safer barrier keeps Mr. Hinton on track. He ain't scared of any keyboard! He gives us his take, pc not included.
What could be wrong with a GrieseTaco?
- Juan could invite Bob to the race, I'm sure he has heard worse.
- hopefully not an Imus moment.
Once again a lesson from Chad on picking the pit stall that would allow for the time markers. Just when you think it's all been done, he raises the bar.
Posted by: Larry | Oct 26, 2009 6:06:55 PM
I thought taco was Mexican, not Colombian.
Now go have some barbecue, David.
Posted by: Paul B. | Oct 27, 2009 8:46:56 PM
Stream of consciousness here...
Would Griese have been suspended had he said JPM was out having a cup of coffee?
Would that have been worse?
Posted by: Paul B. | Oct 27, 2009 8:56:24 PM
Doug: You're right -- it is insensitive of you. In fact, just by mentioning the word "sensitive," you have offended my sensibilities. I'm emailing the ACLU as soon as I finish this post.
Seriously, there are those in this nation who have elevated "getting my feelings hurt" to an art form. Where the hell is Don Rickles when we need him most?
68: Indeed, that's the way it is (apologies to the late Walter Cronkite).
Larry: Man, you are psychic! Good comment on JJ's pit stall selection. That was a hot topic in the early '90s, when the Cup champ got first pick on pit stalls regardless of qualifying speed, and Earnhardt owned that No. 1 spot.
Paul B.: Surely someone would have bristled if Griese had suggested Montoya was having a cup of coffee with Juan Valdez, eh?
Posted by: David Green | Oct 28, 2009 11:27:19 AM
Along with Random Thoughts,
With qualifying rained out, a new idea.
Most will concede that, save the first pit stall, qualifying is moot.
So, trying to save money.
Why not skip qualifying for plate races? Line em' up by points.
Posted by: Larry | Oct 31, 2009 8:14:41 PM
As to the "out having a taco" comment, that was funny(well it WAS to me).......not meant to be a racial slur. Good grief Charlie Brown. Just like the comment earlier this year about Tiger Woods. A commentator stated the only way to stop Tiger winning golf tournaments was to take him out back and hang him. OH, GIRL, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT!!! They wanted to hang HER. This nation has become over sensitive in relation to everybody in this country except 'white folks', I am as sick of hearing it as I am watching Hendricks cars win races. Good win Jamie, since Kasey didn't.
Posted by: 9fanatic | Nov 3, 2009 6:59:56 AM
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