Former stock car season champion Kurt Busch won't be racing this weekend in Pocono, Pennsylvania, after NASCAR suspended him for verbally abusing a reporter following Saturday's race in Dover, Delaware.
Busch was already on NASCAR probation following a confrontation with an opponent's crew in Darlington, South Carolina, in May.
When Sporting News reporter Bob Pockrass asked Busch on Saturday whether being on probation affected his performance on the track, Busch berated Pockrass.
"It refrains me from not beating the (expletive) out of you right now because you ask me stupid questions," Busch replied. "But since I'm on probation, I suppose that's improper to say as well."
Busch's probation was to have ended July 25. NASCAR has extended that for the rest of the year as well as suspending Busch for any races this weekend in Pocono, according to a NASCAR press release.
"Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing; violation of probation; verbal abuse to a media member) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book," the press release said.
In a statement, Busch accepted his punishment, according to a report on NASCAR.com.
"I put them in a box," he said of NASCAR officials. "They had to take action, and it's my fault for putting them in this position. I apologize for the comments I made to Bob Pockrass."
Busch has 24 career victories and was the 2004 series champion.
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Hey Kurt......You ever think about maybe just.........Growing up?
Immaturity seems to run in that family.
Stop the presses!!! Call the cops!!!! Busch called a reporter a poopyhead! Now I know we are in dark times!
Give the guy a break. These people are under intense pressure to perform at their sport and they are highly focused on their task. The reporters and tabloid writers ask stupid questions that can repulse anyone. They try to draw their targets into a confrontation by asking them very personal questions. If it was not "Hey the probation hurting your performance", it would be "Hey did you have a fight with your wife and that's why you are not performing well?".
I don't think his response was the best, but understandable. As a sporting figure, yes I know they need to be nice to the reporters and how they project themselves, but they are also human. I don't follow NASCAR. I could not tell the difference between Kyle Busch, Jimmie John and Tony Stewart.
Seriously, the guy drives cars fast, and wears a monster cap for a living. I don't think expecting him not to threaten people is asking too much.
Who are they?
Could not have happened to a nicer guy, what are the chances. The guy comes across as a jerk. Lots of drivers must put up with stupid questions, but they can handle it.
Jesus H. Jackrabbit Christ. Lee would be spinning in his grave right now if he knew the kind of pansy crap NASCAR flinches at these days. Maybe Kurt should take a leaf outta his book and start carrying a newspaper with something special inside ...
*yawn* NASCAR has lost it's personality with these kinds of rules. Colorful personalities used to be part of racing. Now it is just boring with all this politically correct crap.
Personally, I think most sports reporters ask the stupidest questions imaginable. Granted, there are only so many questions you can ask an athlete, but even for a fan it's annoying to hear the same stupid questions again and again and again.
...driver should have hand sign his frustration while speaking politely to the reporter...a handbook overrides the 1st admendment...
Mmmmm – The first amendment does not allow you to say anything at work without consequences. The first amendment forbids the government from stopping free speech. I am glad I was able to clear that up for you.
Was there any chance that the reporter would say "Hey Kurt, here's the only tape of what you just said. Relax and have a cold beer." The reporter would have had a friend for life and a much better rep with the other drivers.
Is this really the example he wants to set for his children. He needs to grow up.
huh??? between the beer, babes and hooter shorts what kinna wholesome image race car driving suppose to have for children?
Reporters can ask some stupid questions. In Foyts day he would have slapped his ass and said next question. Don't think Busch is as badass as he would like to be.
Oh yeah, like NASCAR is such a "high brow" operation.
Well considering that NASCAR helps and funds more charities then pretty much any sport out there I say they are doing pretty well for being such low brow individuals.
Reporters are such nice and considerate people. Why would anyone lose their temper with them? /sarcasm
Sid – I agree with you! And that reporter knew exactly what he was doing – asking stupid questions to make the situation worse – just pushing buttons trying for the reaction he got. Reporters in NASCAR should be thankful for all the access they get from the drivers and show a little apprieciation!
Well.....that's what the press always does though.
Oh Kurt Busch when will you ever learn to keep that fat mouth of yours shut. You already lost your ride with Penskie last year and your going to lose this one if you keep it up.