Just Plain Stupid
Posted November 13, 2005, 8:37 PM ET

Friday night in Phoenix, defending Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch was pulled by local authorities and charged with driving recklessly. According to reports and the officers at the scene, Busch was driving all over the place and there was alcohol detected on his breath.

Busch declared that he was not drinking, but the damage was done.

On Sunday, Roush Racing suspended Busch for the remainder of the 2005 Nextel Cup season...which is basically the last two races of the year. The season ends next weekend in Florida.

For Busch, his career is over at Roush Racing. He will join Roger Penske's team in 2006. But the actions from Friday night from the defending champ were just a tip of the iceberg for Roush's organization. There have been plenty of flair-ups and crazy situations surrounding Busch....from being punched by Jimmy Spencer, run-ins with NASCAR officials and other drivers at the track...and the beat goes on and on.

Geoff Smith, the President of Roush Racing, said that "we're officially retiring as Kurt Busch's apologists".

Kurt Busch has been a guest on my radio show many times in the past, and he has talked about the added exposure and burden of being the defending champ in the sport. To be honest with you, I always got the impression that he accepted the added responsibility and enjoyed the fact that he was the defending champion. When you are the star, you've got to take the bad with the good.

I even had the impression from Busch that he knew he had to step up his persona on and off the track....for not only his fellow drivers, but for sponsors, too. There is no question that NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers understand how important it is to appeal to the masses at the track and with the shareholders and corporate suits.

In regards to his new driver and suspension, Roger Penske said that "this decision is unfortunate for high-profile athletes who are under significant scrutiny". I disagree with Penske. The decision wasn't unfortunate, it was a just decision. The actions behind the wheel, especially if there is alcohol involved, are unfortunate and stupid. I would say this if it involved an all-star athlete or any other citizen.

Obviously, Busch made a mistake this past weekend in Phoenix. He has apologized, but now he has to live with the consequences. He is a talented driver and he will have success driving the 2-car for Penske next season. Ironically, while Kurt was having his problems in Phoenix, his younger brother Kyle won the race on Sunday.

The solution in this case and every case like it is simple...

Don't drink and drive.