The Jeremy Mayfield saga is an uncomfortable one for this observer on many different levels. Lest anyone get the idea I am a hater, consider this profile I authored on the suspended driver just a month before his first failed drug test:
http://bump-drafts.com/2009/04/04/driver-profile-jeremy-mayfield-blue-collar-racer/
I’ve not yet read of one person who’s met Mayfield who didn’t like him. In the early stages of this story, numerous member of the NASCAR media came running to his defense. Nearly every article raised the question of a possible “false positive” result. Could you blame them? Jeremy Mayfield was a NASCAR “Everyman.”
Then there’s the question of NASCAR’s credibility. A significant number of the fan base are disgruntled with the recent direction of the sport. Having done a recent history piece on Tim Richmond reminds me all of the controversy concerning the late racer’s suspension for a positive test for a banned substance. On top of that, NASCAR’s ramped up testing program is in its early stages, it was put together in what seems like a hasty fashion and questions abound regarding an actual list of banned substances and the testing structure.
With this in mind, its not hard to understand why there are still a number of fans even daring to question NASCAR on this matter. To his credit, Jeremy Mayfield has called into a question a governing body like no other athlete has. In covering sports for part of three decades, I’ve never seen anything like it. Mayfield has succeeded in a way Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, cyclist Floyd Landis and Roger Clemens have failed. None of them have ever called into question their sport’s integrity the way Mayfield has- especially not with court’s backing.
I’m no Johnny-come-lately when it comes to illegal drugs. The biggest city in my area- Medford, Oregon- has been nicknamed “Methford” with good reason. Our proximity to Interstate 5, which takes you all the way to Mexico, makes for easy access to drugs. Almost daily, I am writing up some news story involving drugs on the day job (I also do a lot of work behind the scenes at the station as a news producer).
I also have extended family mixed up in drug addiction. A close cousin’s marriage and career as a nurse has been destroyed by the junk. During my college years, I messed with drugs- including three or four uses of the drug Mayfield is accused of taking. For the uninitiated, the following link takes you to a good article on “crystal meth” or “crank.”:
http://www.secondchanceinc.com/CRANKTHEWORKINGMAN’SDRUG.html
I’m not proud to admit that. Thank God I never got addicted, and I’ve been drug free for over 20 years. Many aren’t so lucky. My case may be a good example of how not every meth user becomes addicted, has scabs, sunken cheeks and missing teeth. They’re not all “trailer trash”, so using appearance as a guide in the Mayfield case may not be a useful guide.
I’ll tell you what also bothers me about Jeremy Mayfield’s story. It’s his pattern of behavior. You’ve read where I’ve used the term “Denial is not a river in Egypt?” I learned of it from a counseling center. Mayfield’s replete denials are consistent with an addict. I’m not saying he is. I’m just saying the denials, the excuses for not finding the places to test, the diversionary tactics and watered down samples are consistent with a denier.
In my view, it’s also a mistake to draw a comparison to Tim Richmond. The players in that drama are gone. One also has to ask questions as to why NASCAR would pursue Jeremy Mayfield- knowing the P.R. nightmare it would be- if there weren’t probable cause. Sorry folks, I think conspiracy theories are crap and they don’t hold water here. NASCAR has a heck of a lot more to lose here than Jeremy Mayfield does. There’s absolutely NO reason for the governing body to single this man- especially not after he had been held up as an example of “the little guy trying to make good” in 2009. You don’t make it a point to mention the guy by name in that way if you intend to trash him later.
Like many, I regard with caution the word of Lisa Mayfield, wife of the driver’s deceased dad. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn down the road that the reason for the prolonged silence may have to do with problems of her own that she’s hiding. At the same time, I find it curious that Mayfield is now filing a wrongful death lawsuit in the matter of his father’s passing on the same week that her name comes to light. Do you not find that curious?
Let’s not forget the role of Aegis in this drama. A finding in court of wrongdoing by an accredited laboratory effectively ends their work. A disgruntled driver make charges is one thing. To find a lab has co-conspired with a governing body to defame a competitor is historic. One false positive is plausible, but two from the same person?It’s a reach.
I hate this story. I just hate it. Like some of you, I’ve cheered for the guy. If it’s true he’s a user, I hope to God Jeremy Mayfield gets the help he needs and he finds something another way to contribute to society and that he has a good life.
If the allegations prove untrue, then we have an even uglier problem on our hands. A governing body will face an unprecedented credibility nightmare at a time of all times that it’s not needed. A drug testing policy will have to be completely overhauled and handled in such a way that the participants have full confidence in it. It would be the worst of circumstances. I don’t know how NASCAR would recover from it. That, to me, is what makes the idea of NASCAR falsifying test results and such hard to swallow. It would be a public relations suicide.
Closure can’t come soon enough. For some of us, it’s a reminder of just how nasty drugs are and the culture that surrounds it. This has gone from being news to a bad episode of Jerry Springer in a Bristol lap and there’ll be no winners here.
PHOTO CREDITS- Photo by Walter G. Arce. To find more, visit flcikr. To find more, visit flickr.com or click on the hyperlink.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
There is no end to human suffering in this drug tragedy. There will be no final chapter. The only thing we can hope for, and by that I mean really hope for, is that at least one young person out there will clearly get the message.
“I hate this story. I just hate it.”
So do I, bud. So do I.
Am I remembering correctly that when Nascar first suspended Jeremy, 3 or 4 of his crew members also tested positive. Why haven’t we heard anything else on this part of the story?
If we look at the credibility factor in this situation I’d say NASCAR has done a lot over the years to put their credibility in serious question. The France family, for all their good efforts, have run NASCAR with an iron fist, as used to be said, a benevolent dictatorship. Generally speaking a dictatorship doesn’t have much credibility. They don’t need that little item, they run the show, their decisions are not to be questioned, it’s what they say when they say it. They have been blatant in their actions to anyone that questions them. Yet in this deal with Jeremy their word is taken as if it came down from the heavens above. That’s because of the fear of the dictator, it sure isn’t because they are actually that credible because they sure don’t exhibit that wonderful trait.
Then we have Jeremy. Test after test and statements made that his show negative and little is mentioned. Even the just released statement by his attorney and Lab Corp stating they used the exact same test this Dr. Black uses and the result was still negative, AGAIN. I’ve seen one, yup one, report on that test. But, I have seen even more folks coming out and calling Jeremy a meth addict. And who are these people? Those that have a big financial stake in not going against the dictatorship. Hammond is the perfect example, he has a lot to lose if he ticks off the dictator. So what credibility does he have? None!
Then folks jump on Jeremy for his words and actions. Try being Jeremy and knowing that you are innocent and everything you’ve built in your life, your future, your reputation, is ripped away from you. You believe falsely. Then when you dare to stand up for yourself, you are said to be acting like what you have been accused of. Criticized for hiring an attorney, being multi tested on your own, called a liar, having your credibility doubted. You watch so called pundits, reporters, NASCAR lackeys, trash you on a daily basis using your every word, every action, against you. Had this been me by now, I’d probably have gone postal long ago. For Jeremy to be angry, outraged, is a very normal reaction and I think he has restrained himself much more than I’d find possible to do in his place.
The sad part of this will be when NASCAR finally gets the notion that there is a very good chance that they blew this situation in the worst possible way, they will pay almost any amount to prevent this from ever going to court. This is called NASCARS unbeatable court record. CRAP! A settlement is an admission of guilt to me. A gag agreement as part of that settlement is yet more of an admission and the most extreme method effort to hide the truth from the world. This case will never get to any trial. NASCAR cannot afford it, the truth that is!
Check the Marcia Grant case. She was trashed by NASCAR then they settled out of court. If she was paid a single dime, she won! What was the truth? We’ll never know will we? How about that certain singer that paid $20,000,000 to keep a quiet? Guilty in your mind now? Will the truth ever be known? Let NASCAR talk all they want, let all these so called reporters and talking heads talk all they want. But, maybe they should consider both their position and reputations should Jeremy be cleared.
According to an article in an blog at NASCAR DAILY NEWS there is an new book out there called The Dirt Under the Asphalt: An Underground History of Stock Car Racing by Jack Flowers that tosses out some serious allegations on NASCAR and the people who ran it.
It makes NASCAR’s creditability that much less and pretty much called the Kettle Black as Jeremy Mayfield did.
Now some of the things about Jeremy’s actions called in question if he is telling the truth but then again it is is Innocent I wouldn’t blame him for defended himself in the manner he has.
From what I understand NASCAR and DR. BLACK has an relationship going back 20 years or so. His lab has supposely done work for the WWE since 2006/2007 as part of the WWE’s Wellness Program. Also I understand that Aegis Labs had consulted with the Major League Baseball Players Association of the issues of Drug Tests that has been performed on some of the tests that have been taking by various Baseball Players.
One of the Drivers already said that an test that took 10 minutes at the Track is now taking 40 some minutes because of the procedures that has to be done to make sure the proper Chain of Custody has been performed in an proper manner.
Darryl Waltrip said an while back that this could get Ugly for all concern and does the sport no good.
If and when this situation wounds itself through the Court System in at least an period of an year according to some documents filed in Court all documents will be available to the Public unless sealed by the Court.
NASCAR say they are an Family Sport.
How true that is.
JMHO,
Article on book located at the following location.
http://cupscene.com/blogs2/2009/07/07/new-book-reportedly-digs-up-the-dirt-on-nascar/
@mrclause. You articulate well the feelings of those suspicious of NASCAR. Two things: What about the positive test results? Are they doctored? Second, look at who’s taking up for Jeremy. Is it not safe to say they have a stake in clouding the situation by creating doubt? Let me once again go on record as having made no accusions. My problem with Mayfield is his words and actions that call into question his own credibility.
I’ll several steps further than you have and say that NASCAR is in a situation far worse than they ever imagined if they’ve gone after Mayfield unjustly.
Let’s hope the truth comes out.
@Tom. Hadn’t considered that in some time. I will say only that when I walked away fromt the drugs and the booze, STEP #1 was getting away from my friends who did it. Something Mom said about the company you keep comes to mind.
mrclause, your comment should be sent all over the NASCAR internet. It is indeed unfortunate that those who might think things are not quite kosher don’t have the cahones to go up against the Goliath. I applaud those who have.
@mrclause. Great comment. I would like to see 1 sample being obtained under the watchful eye of a Judge and a lab tech or someone who is qualified in the proper procedures of collecting urine samples that are to be tested. Send 1 half of the sample to Aegis and Dr. Black and send the other half to a reputable lab choosen by the Judge. If Mayfield refuses-guilty, if both tests come back positive-guilty, if NASCAR refuses to do this then the guilt rides with them, if one test was to come back positive and the other negative, irregardless of which lab came up with the positive test and which came up with the negative test this would open up a whole new can of worms-one I’m sure NASCAR wouldn’t like to open.
@Tom, you haven’t heard much about it because that is just not true. At Daytona a pit crew member Mayfield picked up while at the track to pit the car tested positive. The gentleman worked for MMI for a total of two days prior to the test and was let go immediately after the test. There were two crew members that tested positive the same weekend as Jeremy but neither was associated with MMI. One worked for one of Roush’s Nationwide teams and I think the other worked for one of the truck teams but I’m not positive on that. I do know that neither had any connection to Jeremy at all. No one that could be considered a full-time employee of MMI has tested positive this year other than Jeremy.
My daughter had a drug problem when young, and Mayfield’s behavior is consistent with hers at that time, which rang alarm bells for me. I vaguely remember Mayfield parting from his previous team on less than good terms and angry and thinking at the time he would have a hard time getting another ride. D. Waltrip remarked on Despain’s show Sun. night that he thinks Mayfield is trying to get NASCAR to make a settlement on him to get him to go away.
Mayfield wasn’t looking for nascar’s money when this started, just to clear his name and be allowed to get back to racing. Nascar’s doing everything in its considerable power, just like they did with Tim Richmond, to keep that from happening. All he wants to do is race. When nascar is found guilty of taking away his livelihood, it should pay him compensation.
Well i still believe that Mayfield is Not Guilty….. I know it will be hard for Mayfield to ever get back on the track when all of this is done and over with but i believe he should since this is what he loves to do just like everyone else on the track and that would be,,, Race !!!!… now if Nascar will ever let him back on the track will be another story but i know if it was me i would still continue to race even if i won against nascar if they let me on the track…. i think it would be good public relations for Nascar to be the man and shake hands if they lost and vice versa if mayfield lost…
Yes this is Very bad for the image of nascar…. but what everyone should also look at here is it was NOT Nascar that took the test it was the AEGIS LABS that took the test and Examined it…. now if they did tamper with it then they should be the ones too put the blame on here…. im throwing in that possibility in here because mayfield just passed a test when nascars test came up as failed again…. theres some funny stuff going on here and it does need to be brought out into the open and setteled once and for all….
This only shows what brown nosers reporters like Hammond are. They say what they think Nascar wants said. So, they look over the chance that they may be condemning an innocent man only to enhance their own career. Shame on you and shame on the Mafia the runs Nascar. Did Brian France and Micheal Waltrip go to rehab when the wrecked their cars while driving under the influence? Print this one!
@DGoodman. I just want to be clear that NASCAR in no way is paying me for my point of view. The observations here are strictly my own. I have accused Mayfield of nothing, I am merely sharing my observations.
BTW- All you Mayfield fans who have come to weigh in- thanks for stopping by & let your voice be heard.
@Lonnie. If Mayfield has been wrongly accused, then I say he owed a great deal, more than money . This will indeed go down as a historic case if it is. I do not readily recall in the world of sports of an athlete suspended on a false positive.
“For Jeremy to be angry, outraged, is a very normal reaction and I think he has restrained himself much more than I’d find possible to do in his place.”
I have to agree with this statement whole heartily!! When one is wrongfully accused of an act it is very hard to prove your innocent.
There is one thing about this situation that has me troubled. If Jeremy has been using all this time why is it no one has ever came forward prior to this with any accusations or suspicions?
@true. Ask yourself the same question when it comes to athletes in other sports over cocaine in the 80s, steroids in thie decade. It’s a tight fraternity and I don’t think anyone wanted to be the one to “rat him out.” I’m quite sure there are plenty out there with other problems that would rather they not come to light.
I think when all of this is Completely Done with that what will happen is that Mayfield will win the Entire Court Case and Dr. Black and Aegis Labs will be shut down by the Federal Government for Tampering with Tests and Nascar will be in big trouble also but somehow will not get the brunt of the trouble like Dr. Black and his lab will… UNLESS Dr. Black and his lab comes clean and admits that nascar told them to do what they did by tampering with a test to come up with a ceretain outcome to fit nascar…
@Lonnie. Do you know a story we don’t? That’s quite a conspiracy. Why would NASCAR, Dr. Black and Aegis Labs risk their livlihood over Mayfield? It seems like quite a price to pay to make a point.
Well it Goes WAY BEYOND NASCAR but this is one of the recent things that was told to mayfield when he first tested…
Dr. Black,and interesting parties with nascar conversation with mayfield over the first result of the drug test. in which including Dr. [David] Black, “in which who’s not a doctor”, this is what makes you sick, [them saying] ‘Jeremy, if you just go about this quietly you’ll be OK. You’ll be all right.’ Well, bull—. I’m marked. How do you go about this thing quietly? Tell me that.”
that came from one of the other websites about a meeting between mayfield and dr. black and nascar workers…
Secondly… go back to the history of Dr. Black and go back to when he was with the MLB days where they gave him (Dr. Black) a choice of leaving or being fired from being their drug tester…. and take a look at the WWE days where they also told Dr. Black to hit the road… there is alot more to this than nascar wants to be revealed… nascar has been after mayfield ever since he bumped earnhardt for the win years ago, than to add to the maylay go back to when he brought it out into the open about the affair between his boss and erin crocker….. things are going to change in nascar and soon… with or without nascars concent…. aegis labs have been on the watch of the federal government also as they have been watching dr. black also…