Basically, it came down to this:
First, He said the drug responsible for his test failure was Adderall. He did the homework and figured things out. He also said that after the B sample test, he learned it was an amphetamine and that it was Adderall.
Up until this point in life, he said he did not know what an amphetamine is.
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The week before his drug test, he had been running pretty ragged and was extremely tired. While visiting with a good friend, a friend of his friend offered him a workout supplement (that he knew of) to help wake up. He took the pill, not knowing it was Adderall.
He went on to make note that he feels terrible for letting down his fans and for letting down Roger Penske. He recognized that his ride with Penske Racing was an opportunity of a lifetime and he blew it.
Allmendinger was very apologetic and appeared very forthcoming.
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In an earlier piece here on NB&P, I had pointed out some doubts (Allmendinger Claims Adderall) that were being floated around on the web. And his most recent statement about getting this substance from a friend of a friend is not going over well with many more fans.
Then I have to make note that he seemed to indicated he was informed of the substance responsible for his test failure after the B sample test, despite NASCAR having indicated he was informed of the substance after the first test.
Second, AJ said or used the words that had me inclined to think that NASCAR told him it was Adderall, or the same compounds that can be found in Adderall. But NASCAR says they're unaware of the specific substance other than it was an amphetamine and that their testing doesn't reveal andy substance brand.
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I hear and read the concerns fans are exhibiting about Allmendinger and how to this date, some of his answers still aren't syncing up as nicely as they'd like to hear. Some are even suggesting he needs a new PR team.
But it is what it is. He's learning new life-skills in the "Road to Recovery" program and says he's learned his lesson.
And in the garage, it seems there is support and trust of Allmendinger. Dave Moody's co-host yesterday was David Reutimann and he said he'd be more than happy to be on the track, next to Allmendinger in a line up.
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This isn't Allmendinger's First Mistake
At this point I wonder if this is indicative of a behavioral pattern or not. Two moments may not make a trend, but in a statistical sampling, this would be an interesting blip in a study. It's like the saying goes, if you see 1 cockroach, many more are out of site.
Back in Oct of 2009 Allmendinger was arrested for drunken driving in Mooresville, N.C.. After being pulled over, he failed the sobriety test with a .08 Breathalyzer test result. Back then he was driving the RPM No. 44 car and was placed on probation by NASCAR. Back then he made the following statement:
"...obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living," Allmendinger said. "It was a bad judgment call and I apologize for that."
"If anything good can come of this, then hopefully I can be an example of being more aware of drinking responsibly and if even if you feel fine, take a cab, call a friend," Allmendinger said. "Just don't risk it. I will do my best to make it right and use this to learn myself and hopefully educate others."
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For a health aware athlete, taking an unknown pill seems out of character. I don't take anything unless I've bought it myself. But as it stands, Allmendinger is now on-track to getting back in a race car in NASCAR. If that's even doable, as there are concerns that sponsors may shy away from him after this. There seem to be inconsistencies to this day. It's up to each fan to decide how forgiving they want to be with this situation.
But in time, I'm sure he'll find himself back behind the wheel somewhere. He has skills gang.
In the meantime there are other NASCAR news bits we need to start looking at: We have a close points race, Dale Jr. is in the points lead, Carl Edwards has yet to win a race this season and Dodge has pulled out of NASCAR. So there's a lot going on and we need to get back on track, so to speak.
NASCAR: Allmendinger Arrested.
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The Dinger and his "Spin Doctors" have really muddied up the whole thing. If A.J. would have just come clean, admitted the failure, and tried to get his life back in order right away, we would all forgive him.
ReplyDeleteHowever, that is just not how high profile falls from grace usually play out in the public arena. A.J. knew when he was notified that he was to be randomly drug tested that, "the jig was up"!
I do not believe his story, and that it was a one time deal about getting this one pill from a friend of a friend. Like you, Bruce, I only take pills that are prescribed by my physician, and that, I purchase from the drug store, end of story, period!
If he and his "spin doctors" think that the public will believe the inconsistent stories that they have concocted, then they take us for fools!
His career in NASCAR may be on hold for the foreseeable future, however, Michael Shank Racing will put him in their seat as soon as The Dinger gets through the "road to Recovery".
I believe that everyone should be given a second chance, but I believe this would be A.J.'s third chance, i.e.., the DUI and now this!
One would only hope that if you fall from grace enough times, you would start to learn some valuable lessons!
Kinda sounds like the stories that we have read and written about the Busch Bros.!