On the Right Track
A NASCAR BLOG BY Jeff Gluck
AJ Allmendinger should have been suspended
Drunk driving is an extremely serious offense for anyone, a massive error in judgment that can put lives at risk.
AJ Allmendinger was charged with driving while impaired early Thursday morning, and while his case has yet to play out in the criminal justice system, NASCAR and Richard Petty Motorsports have already shown they are not taking Allmendinger’s incident seriously.
I was pleased NASCAR took action when I read a headline on a press release yesterday that said, “Driver AJ Allmendinger Penalized Due to Rule Violation.”
But when I read the release, I learned all NASCAR had given Allmendinger was its flimsy “probation,” which has never proven to be a deterrent or actual punishment for anything.
NASCAR or RPM should have parked Allmendinger for at least one race as a result of his offense. Not doing so shows an attitude that doesn’t reflect how serious drunk driving can be – especially for a race-car driver, who should be held to a higher standard when it comes to driving-related incidents.
Whether or not Allmendinger committed his offense at the track doesn’t change what he did. Since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took over, he has not hesitated to take a hard-line stance on any player who commits a crime – regardless of where it occurred.
Recently, wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth was suspended for the entire season after a DUI manslaughter charge. And Goodell sent a letter to every NFL team in June, informing them that any player caught drunk driving would be subject to suspension.
On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released offensive lineman Marcus Johnson following a DUI arrest earlier that morning.
NASCAR should take even more of a tough stance on drunk driving than the NFL does. Unfortunately, by not even sitting Allmendinger for one week, the sanctioning body has dropped the ball.
Jeff Gluck
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Jeff Gluck has covered NASCAR since 2004. He has worked for NASCAR Scene as an associate editor since 2007.
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Comments
6 responses to "AJ Allmendinger should have been suspended". Post a Comment.
becknc88 said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 9:37 AMOk Jeff, so what about Michael Waltrip who just the week before was also driving while impaired, hit a guy on a motorcycle that could have killed the guy. Where was your stance on all this last week when that happened? Why aren't you asking for the same thing from NASCAR with him that you are asking for AJ? I don't approve of driving drunk but come on man. You are taking this was too far. You are making him guilty before he's even been convicted in the criminal system. He can challenge that seeing as it was right on the mark.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCarol-88-fan said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 9:59 AMBECKNC88, I agree. This is the second time Michael has been involved in an accident. Also, they didn't suspend Scott or Kurt.Scott was DUI and Kurt ran a stop sign, either could have injured or killed someone.With the exception of Michael the others haven't been involved in anything since.
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» Confirm Abuse Reporttinynascarfan said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 12:04 PMfirst of all #1 michael tested .06 which is legal in the state of NC, and for you #2 dale jr is a drinker, do you think he drives if you are throwing stones at michael, Kurt, and Scott now are you gonna be throwing them at Jr if he has an accident, so both of you blowhards deal with the incident at hand which is AJ Allmendinger's DWI. and by the way Nascar would have suspended Kurt if Jack Roush didnt do it! learn your nascar history before shouting off your mouth!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTammy said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 1:08 PMIf AJ should be suspended, Michael should be banned for life for 2 alcohol-related accidents and leaving the scene of the first one - running through the woods barefoot to escape a DUI. AJ made a mistake. MW is a menace on the roads and a coward.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCarol-88-fan said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 1:19 PM#3, I know my Nascar history, thank you. This is about what Nascar should do, not the owner. I was not attacking Scot or Kurt. I happen to agree with a second chance, if no one is hurt. As a matter of fact, if you had ever read any of my posts, you would know that I happen to like Kurt. Scott and AJ I don't really like or dislike. I just think what is fair for one should be for the other. As for Dale Jr, if he is caught DUI, he should be given a second chance, if no one is hurt. Like the others if he is caught a second time, he should be kicked out.Michael was DUI the first time, he said it was the hardest thing he had to do explaining it to his daughter.Maybe you should read exactly what is written before you call people names or assume things.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportbecknc88 said:
Oct 30, 2009 at 2:06 PM#3. Any driver, Dale Jr or otherwise, should face the same consequences driving while under the influence. I live in Mooresville and from what I've heard, the cops look the other way when it concerns Waltrip. I know first had of his driving in the area because he almost hit me and my kids when he pulled out in front of us while not paying attention. I like Michael and He's one of my fave drivers. My point here is, don't punish one person for actions detrimental to the sport and not another one for the same action. Driving while intoxicated can kill whether it's .06 or .08. Period.
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