Post by 221dayton on Nov 23, 2011 11:41:54 GMT -5
Kurt Busch Tirade Video Is Surprising – But Not For The Reasons You Think
by Jeff Gluck • Nov 22, 2011 3:06 PM EST
The Twitter world is abuzz today about the viral video of Kurt Busch cursing at respected ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch as the driver waited to be interviewed during Sunday's NASCAR race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In the video, Busch reacts angrily to Punch's presence and yells about having to wait to answer questions. Punch then walks away and cancels the interview.
The whole situation is very surprising to me – but not for the reasons you think.
Personally, based on my experiences trying to interview Busch, this kind of behavior from him is not unusual at all. In fact, I would dare say the vast majority of NASCAR media regulars have had at least one run-in with Busch similar to the one in the video.
But typically, reporters simply grumble to one another when such incidents occur. Unless a driver crosses the line – as Busch did when he threatened NASCAR.com reporter Joe Menzer after a race in September – stories about media/driver altercations typically aren't written.
When I've mentioned incidents like this one via Twitter in the past, some fans have sided with Busch and accused me of being the instigator or simply whining.
Fans will respond with comments like, "Well, then stop badgering the drivers when they're upset!" or "Come up with better questions for the drivers!"
Apparently, now that fans have seen Busch in action for themselves, it's come as a shock. It shouldn't, though.
Busch shouldn't be fined or punished for his behavior toward Punch, because this is par for the course. If he hasn't been punished for any of the dozens of times it's happened before, why now
by Jeff Gluck • Nov 22, 2011 3:06 PM EST
The Twitter world is abuzz today about the viral video of Kurt Busch cursing at respected ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch as the driver waited to be interviewed during Sunday's NASCAR race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In the video, Busch reacts angrily to Punch's presence and yells about having to wait to answer questions. Punch then walks away and cancels the interview.
The whole situation is very surprising to me – but not for the reasons you think.
Personally, based on my experiences trying to interview Busch, this kind of behavior from him is not unusual at all. In fact, I would dare say the vast majority of NASCAR media regulars have had at least one run-in with Busch similar to the one in the video.
But typically, reporters simply grumble to one another when such incidents occur. Unless a driver crosses the line – as Busch did when he threatened NASCAR.com reporter Joe Menzer after a race in September – stories about media/driver altercations typically aren't written.
When I've mentioned incidents like this one via Twitter in the past, some fans have sided with Busch and accused me of being the instigator or simply whining.
Fans will respond with comments like, "Well, then stop badgering the drivers when they're upset!" or "Come up with better questions for the drivers!"
Apparently, now that fans have seen Busch in action for themselves, it's come as a shock. It shouldn't, though.
Busch shouldn't be fined or punished for his behavior toward Punch, because this is par for the course. If he hasn't been punished for any of the dozens of times it's happened before, why now