First off, I understand that publicity statements released by a driver are often just that -- a politically correct message about a certain event.It's more than understandable for one to read those from drivers after incidents like the death of Bill France Jr. or other notable events. They don't want to disrespect and being PC is easy to do in written word.
It's not understandable, however, to release a statement like Kyle Busch did on Wednesday morning, and then to totally recant it the next day. Kyle's statement came during the announcement that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would fill the role of Busch at Hendrick Motorsports and read partly like this:
"We had been working on a contract extension for me to remain at Hendrick Motorsports, but after prolonged negotiations, we mutually agreed that a fresh start was in order. I have been granted a release after the 2007 season. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It's where I grew up, and I have a lot of great memories. I kind of feel like I'm graduating."Graduating. Great memories. Agreed mutually. Yes, all directly attributed to Kyle Busch through his PR people.
Busch didn't exactly take that tune yesterday on Sirius:
"This is all brand new. I haven't talked or discussed or done anything with any other team."Brand new? Haven't discussed? What happened to "mutually agreed"? Why were you "graduating"?
Where's the discrepency? Is Busch really telling the truth the first or second time? Why on Earth would he let his PR people issue a release with inaccurate information?
I'd feel a whole lot more compassionate for Busch right now if he wouldn't have been going back on his word. Is it likely some pressure was applied to leave the No. 5? Probably.
Despite that, there's no excuse for Busch to be part of the Dale Jr. gravy train on Wednesday by sounding so upbeat about losing a ride and then breaking the china the very next day.
Pick one side and stick with it, Busch. If you got screwed, let us know, and if you're just trying to work up sentiment for your cause by misaligning what really happened -- give it up. We won't care.


Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-15-2007 @ 8:22AM
Gail said...
Kyle go over to DEI and take over Juniors ride you will fir right in.You are a a good driver and Tei will treat you great. MR Hendricks will trade your # 5 car for the # 8 & you and your brother will have the correct rivals.Budweiser against Miller.......
GO KYLE........
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6-15-2007 @ 9:09AM
Baisden3kids said...
Well put, Mr. Miller! I think Kyle is still very young and very immature. I believe that is the main reason he was "let go." I do not believe it was "mutual," and like you said, nor do I care. That sounds harsh, but frankly he, his brother, and Tony Stewart should all be team-mates. They all have the same crappy attitude! They all three need to grow up! Although it is fun to watch them slam into each other and have "pissing contests" on the track, they do act like complete Jerks. I have rooted for Kyle because I am a Hendrick fan, (as you know, Go Jimmmie:-) but have never taken to him as I have the other drivers. I think Dale Jr. made a fantastic decision as did Mr. Hendrick.
I am just curious about one thing though, how do you think Jimmie, Jeff, & Casey really feel about Dale Jr. coming aboard? Jeff will mentor him as he did Jimmie, Casey is really going to struggle, and Jimmie is going to be indifferent as he is still going to win anyway. Those are my predictions, for what they are worth anyway. I will point out however that I CALLED it! I have said the minute Dale Jr. became a "free agent" that he would end up at Hendrick and everyone else said otherwise. It's a great think to be right! :-)
Kim
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6-15-2007 @ 9:25AM
JMills said...
Wow, there is actually Kyle Busch fans? This f'n douchegbag needs to grow up and stop being such a bitch. Maybe if he didn't act like a 5 year old, Hendrick wouldn't have given him the boot. I like how he said it was a miscommunication when he left his team out to dry at Texas when Jr jumped in the #5 car. Apparently throwing a tantrum and running off to your hauler to pout equates is miscommunication. But I digress, I guess he hasn't had the greatest role models in his life since his older brother is even more of immature than him. Those two have absolutely no class, I don't understand how anyone can be a fan of them.
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6-15-2007 @ 9:26AM
JMills said...
Wow, there is actually Kyle Busch fans? This f'n douchegbag needs to grow up and stop being such a bitch. Maybe if he didn't act like a 5 year old, Hendrick wouldn't have given him the boot. I like how he said it was a miscommunication when he left his team out to dry at Texas when Jr jumped in the #5 car. Apparently throwing a tantrum and running off to your hauler to pout equates is miscommunication. But I digress, I guess he hasn't had the greatest role models in his life since his older brother is even more of immature than him. Those two have absolutely no class, I don't understand how anyone can be a fan of them.
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6-15-2007 @ 12:34PM
Carl B Cagle said...
I have been a Hendrick fan for years {Jeff Gordon] but no longer. Anyone { Hendrick] who would hire a overated driver like Jr. and let a upcoming driver like Kyle go is not a fan of mine. Look at Jrs. career stats. what has he done so spectacular, nothing. Jr. is a overated dummy.
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6-15-2007 @ 1:04PM
KyleIsAJerkFan said...
Kyle won't last long in this sport. First, his gold digger trophy wife will split once things start to go bad, Second, I agree, he has a bad attitude, and, Third, he ought to thank the man above for even giving him the opportunity of a life time. I hope DEI picks him up as a driver and puts his dumbass in the number eight car. Only then will I smile when the whole Teresa Earnhardt Show comes tumbling down. Hell, maybe the greedy Teresa E. should put her stupid ass behind the 8 car wheel and watch as the fans pelt her stupid ass with beer bottles and cans! One last thing- Go JUNIOR!!! You got my and many others support, my friend! You'll always be the man!!!! Now go win a Championship in 08!!!!!!
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6-15-2007 @ 1:19PM
stormy said...
hahaha kyle needs to go eat his kelloggs and fill that bowl with tears . we all knew hendricks was gonna give him the boot after the lil shrub took out the big shrub ! just go to dei and let LIL MS T-REX have you she might even through in the special bonus that menards daddys getting. would love to see anyone get in the 8 car and survive the fan backlash . as far as you JR haters give me a break if he was such a bad driver and did nothing then owners wouldnt be flocking to get him now would they !!! dont be jealous cause he has more loyal fans then your driver get over it already hes a good driver and a great person .
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6-15-2007 @ 1:43PM
jenn said...
Proof is in the pudding,jr. got his wish,a team that is a championship organization,hope he puts that foot on the pedal and not in his mouth. Trying to get out from under his father shadow and now going to a team that has the current,active most successful driver as his teammate,hope the stats game dont get to jr. like it did when being compared to his dad. good luck jr.!!!
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6-15-2007 @ 2:45PM
Bob Honey said...
All you dejr fans are going to be in for some disappointments in 08. And that scrappy little sob (Kyle) is going to show you who's got it and who doesn't. go Kyle go
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6-15-2007 @ 4:45PM
terry said...
kyle & kurt busch are the biggest jerks that i have ever seen in the sport of nascar, the biggest cry babies,they try to put the blame on everybody else when they screw up on the track, they got an chance of an life time & they have no respect for anyone. The best place for those 2 are sitting at home like a bitch that they are! Hendrick should have fired him when he left the team hanging at texas, what a little cry baby bitch, go home to mommy & let her wipe your ass & wipe your cry baby tears away!!!!
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6-15-2007 @ 5:19PM
RockOutWithYourBrockOut9 said...
You people just need to let it go. Junior's at Hendrick's. It's a done deal. Kyle's lost his ride and is lost as a fart in a whirlwind as to where he's going next year. Just calm down and hush up about it.
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6-15-2007 @ 5:30PM
aroapejo said...
I think that anyone who stops being a fan of their driver because Jr is going to Hendrick Motorsports needs to grow up just like the Busch drivers. I think that Jr deserves to be with a winning team. As far as, Jimmie Johnson goes, I'm sure he doesn't like the idea because he's an arogant a**hole. He's a pompus a** as they say. He thinks that he is the best thing ever and he's worried that JR will outshow him now that he is with a team that is not afraid to put money into his ride. Jeff Gordon is awesome. He can & will run circles around Jimmie Johnson any day of the week. Yeah, I'm a JR fan and darn proud of it, no matter if he's having a good year or a bad year. I will remain a JR fan even though he won't be with his "FATHER'S" company anymore and Teresa can go to H***! She is a worthless gold digging self centered b****!
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6-15-2007 @ 5:37PM
sandie said...
Now Hendrick Motorsports can look forward to getting Junebug's beer can throwing, no class, no teeth fans. Junebug will fare no better in Hendrick equipment as he is a mediocre driver at best.
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6-20-2007 @ 9:59PM
devin said...
kyle go to dei terase will give you afast car so yuo can win a champion chip
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6-21-2007 @ 1:33PM
VLN said...
Well, I'm a Busch brothers fan! Go Kyle and Kurt!
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7-03-2007 @ 10:32AM
SCOTTY43 said...
Junior, should have been given the business as his Big E had intented. TEI will regret the day she let her greed decide her and the Earnhardt businesses future. I sincerely hope that Jr. meets his own expectations as a driver and does so with the same dignity and honor which he has displayed throughout this challenging ordeal. I believe his Dad would be truly proud of the way Jr. has matured.
I also believe that Big E would be quite angey with Greedy T for her actions of late. As for Kyle, he needs time to mature, his driving ability is very good but his non adult childish attitude is thank goodness uncommon among the average racecar Drivers who make it to the big time. He should be sent back down to the Bush league for a couple of years, the humilitating experience may be just what he needs to become the adult driver he already thinks he is, but unfortunately is not. Good Luck to all parties involved, Greedy T, Jr., Rick and Kyle.
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