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| Earnhardt: "No room for that in my life." |
Neither NASCAR nor
Clements have disclosed the specifics of the remark, but Marty Beckerman, a
blogger for MTV’s Guy Code, has
confirmed that Clements used the `N-word’ in his presence during an interview last
Saturday at Daytona.
Earnhardt was
critical of Clements yesterday, saying, “It’s just really unfortunate that he
chose to make that decision at that time to use that language. I don’t like it.
There’s no room for that in my life. When one person’s mistake looks bad on the
sport, it’s unfortunate.”
Beckerman has
said Clements did not use the term in reference to a specific driver or
crewmember, adding, “I asked him what would be Guy Code for race car drivers,
and he blurted out (an answer that used the N-word).”
NASCAR Senior Vice President
for Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell said today that the sanctioning body was correct
in suspending Clements for his comments.
"We
believe strongly that we made the right move,” said O’Donnell. “Our plan with
Jeremy is to quickly engage Dr. Richard Lapchick to work with (him)… and get
Jeremy back in the race car as soon as possible and as soon as we deem
fit."
Lapchick, son of former NBA player
Joe Lapchick, is director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports
at the University of Central Florida. A recognized expert on race relations in
sports, Lapchick will guide Clements through what sources categorized as
“sensitivity training” before he is cleared to return to competition.
This is not the 1960's. We are all people of color. White or black.They are both colors. In my opinion that "N" word goes for an attitude not a race. Good for JR for speaking out for his belief.
ReplyDeleteShould he have used that verbiage probably not but nobody in the NASCAR hierarchy had a problem with Brad K's post race 5minute curse fest suited for the deck of a pirate ship tiraid last November so why is there a big fuss over a single word. I associate that word to white southerners being called hillbillies, rednecks, hicks and others. As for JR having a problem with it just stop and take a look around and show me a driver who hasn't said something derogatory against women , other competitors or other people of varying ethnicities or even intelligence levels. 1 of the Busch boys used the analogy involving a primate and sporting equipment in his in car and he was not sent to sensitivity classes, that's a joke and I hope the best for Jeremy , may he return as the dull lack luster polished prodigy robot that they want.
ReplyDeleteBenny, it doesn't matter whether you and I are offended by the "n-word." It's about whether our African-American fans and competitors are. Tolerance isn't about doing what works for you, it's about having concern for other peoples' feelings and sensitivities. If avoiding racially divisive and hurtful comments makes one "dull" and "lackluster," sign me up.
DeleteAnd this will solve what, again?
ReplyDelete"Sensitivity training" is an inherently totalitarian tool reflective of the intolerance that is the core of PC thought. Using a racial is bad; brainwashing is always worse. Clements should be called out but not suspended or subjected to PC brainwashing.
If you call chastising people who use antiquated, hateful, racial slurs "brainwashing," maybe you're part of the problem.
DeleteDave, my use of the term brainwashing is toward sensitivity training. Clements should be called out, but not suspended to PC brainwashing.
DeleteI agree with not using a word in the dictionary that is defined as ignorant. I know black people who use the same word. See a problem here?
ReplyDelete