DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In a stunning move just two days before the season-opening Daytona 500, NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch indefinitely on Friday after a judge said the former champion almost surely strangled and beat an ex-girlfriend last fall and there was a "substantial likelihood" of more domestic violence from him in the future.
NASCAR said Busch would not be allowed to race or participate in any NASCAR activities until further notice given the "serious nature of the findings and conclusions" made by the Delaware judge.
"Kurt Busch and his Stewart-Haas Racing team are fully aware of our position and why this decision was made," the series said in a statement. "We will continue to respect the process and timetable of the authorities involved."
In a 25-page opinion explaining why he issued the no-contact order this week, Family Court Commissioner David Jones concluded that it was more likely than not that Busch abused Patricia Driscoll by "manually strangling" her and smashing her head into a wall inside his motorhome at Dover International Speedway last September.
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
My Uncle Frank was a staunch Conservative and voted straight Republican until the day he died in Chicago. Since then he has voted Democrat. Shrug
I am sorry. But, more likely than not to have done something is not a legal decision. It might be good enough to get a protection order like the judge did, but that is not the same thing as saying he is guilty. The evidence has not be presented, nor has the defense had a chance to rebut in a court of law and judge by a jury of his peers.
This is getting to be ridiculous.
Now don't get me wrong, if he has done something like this and is convicted then he should pay the price for it just like anyone else, but if you work in a shop, or are an executive would you be dropped like a hot potato even if convicted?
How many times have there been accusations made in this type of situation to either hurt the other party or to squeeze him/her for something? Or maybe just to hurt the other person?
I think he should appeal this NASCAR ruling immediately and I hope he wins.
There was a time when racing was relatively free of drama. But since NASCAR decided to "Go Hollywood", those days are over. What a shame. This is one reason I am not a NASCAR circus fan.
...but if you work in a shop, or are an executive would you be dropped like a hot potato even if convicted?
I think it all depends on the company. I imagine a grade school teacher would face similar consequences. I would say that NASCAR is taking the angle that drivers are "role models" for kids and stuff like this tarnishes the image of a NASCAR driver.
I could honestly care less though, I stopped watching NASCAR right around when they introduced the car of tomorrow. It all became too much drama and stupid stuff to hold my attention. I'll take a dirt track race over NASCAR any day.
There was a time when racing was relatively free of drama. But since NASCAR decided to "Go Hollywood", those days are over. What a shame. This is one reason I am not a NASCAR circus fan.
I agree, drop the drama and politic$$ and just go racing. All these rule changes every week is getting ridicules.
I think NASCAR had been giving him the benefit of the doubt.
The statement from the judge is strongly worded and rather convincing. I do not think NASCAR had much choice than to park him until this thing is settled.
This is not like a normal worker somewhere. He is a very well known and recognized public figure representing sponsors and the racing circuit.
(Although this can happen in the private sector too. For instance, we have had people lose their jobs, when they are ticketed for DUI since they lose their security clearance.)
[This message has been edited by Fformula88 (edited 02-20-2015).]
I think it all depends on the company. I imagine a grade school teacher would face similar consequences.
I have worked for blue collar (oil well drilling) companies where a dui arrest was the kiss of death--others, they waited to see if the employee was actually convicted.
I am sorry. But, more likely than not to have done something is not a legal decision. It might be good enough to get a protection order like the judge did, but that is not the same thing as saying he is guilty. The evidence has not be presented, nor has the defense had a chance to rebut in a court of law and judge by a jury of his peers.
This is getting to be ridiculous.
Now don't get me wrong, if he has done something like this and is convicted then he should pay the price for it just like anyone else, but if you work in a shop, or are an executive would you be dropped like a hot potato even if convicted?
How many times have there been accusations made in this type of situation to either hurt the other party or to squeeze him/her for something? Or maybe just to hurt the other person?
I think he should appeal this NASCAR ruling immediately and I hope he wins.
^^^^^^^^^^^ this.. not a bush fan but this rule by public opinion needs to stop.. The masses are @$$e$ so why are their collective opinion allowed to be the court of law.
I have worked for blue collar (oil well drilling) companies where a dui arrest was the kiss of death--others, they waited to see if the employee was actually convicted.
Maryjane, I respect your opinion, but a DUI is not the same. Accusations fly in domestic situations. In a DUI you first of all are dealing with a police officer making the accusation, and there is generally a lot of evidence like a breathalyser test or some other tests that the policeman would do to be pretty certain about the DUI.
In a domestic situation like this where it is he said against she said with no video there is a whole lot less direct evidence. There is also an overwhelming desire on the part of the courts to protect women from abuse. That lends itself to an abuse of the system on the part of the women involved. This is an unfortunate part of this type of accusation and I don't think that is going to change because it is a part of our human nature.
Hes always been in more trouble than not. He wont be missed. Him and his brother are both douche bags, even if they can drive. If he stays in racing, it will be in a shops office somewhere ordering parts. Most shops wouldnt even want the public to know hes working for them. Abuse shouldnt be tolerated at all. Nascar is supposed to be a family oriented sport, one that men, wives & gfs, and children should look up to the 'stars'.
I won't miss Kurt Bush at all, however what does bother me is that the innocent until proven guilty is gone. We have gone back to the witch hunt days where it was the accused-convicted mentality. Any one today can become a victim of blackmail because of it. Give me a Million or I'll accuse you of some terrible crime.
Hes always been in more trouble than not. He wont be missed. Him and his brother are both douche bags, even if they can drive. If he stays in racing, it will be in a shops office somewhere ordering parts. Most shops wouldnt even want the public to know hes working for them. Abuse shouldnt be tolerated at all. Nascar is supposed to be a family oriented sport, one that men, wives & gfs, and children should look up to the 'stars'.
shouldn't one be found guilty first, or doesn't that matter.. many a female has lied about "abuse" heck when my parents were getting a devoice my mothers lawyer flat out told her to tell the courts my dad abused her.. thankfully my mother has more class than that. but still.. the abuse should have to be proven before you destroy a persons life..
Its going to be a long time before Kyle comes back to race.
Who knows about Kurt? What happens if he wins in court will they then apologize and reinstate him? Or is this a case of she said and it doesn't make any difference what he said?
Maryjane, I respect your opinion, but a DUI is not the same. Accusations fly in domestic situations. In a DUI you first of all are dealing with a police officer making the accusation, and there is generally a lot of evidence like a breathalyser test or some other tests that the policeman would do to be pretty certain about the DUI.
In a domestic situation like this where it is he said against she said with no video there is a whole lot less direct evidence. There is also an overwhelming desire on the part of the courts to protect women from abuse. That lends itself to an abuse of the system on the part of the women involved. This is an unfortunate part of this type of accusation and I don't think that is going to change because it is a part of our human nature.
Well, In all things legalese, and especially in civil or case law--precedent is everything. Altho I do agree that in criminal cases (dui included) that innocence is a given until proven otherwise in a court of law, the suspension by NASCAR does not fall under criminal law, and, NASCAR itself is the "Police Officer" of that sport. Nor do the suspensions from NBA or NFL--or MLB. There are appeal processes in place in each league that both club owners and players (& racers) have agreed to. Sometimes the appeal works out (N.O Saints defensive coach) and sometimes they do not. (Yankee's ARod) . Kurt Busch has now exhausted all his appeals and every one found in favor of NASCAR and the bottom line is--------the suspension stands. Even in DUI cases, or Child Protective Investigations, I have seen just the allegation be enough to be cause for termination, because the employer doesn't need or want the bad public scrutiny or shadow of that company having a wrongdoer on their payroll. When the public is your customer or client base, it is they that get the squeaky wheel grease--and of course--the sponsors too. May be that it isn't fair, but precedent was set long ago. A phrase from antiquity comes to mind in these kind of matters. Avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing (appearance of evil in the original context)
Its going to be a long time before Kyle comes back to race.
Who knows about Kurt? What happens if he wins in court will they then apologize and reinstate him? Or is this a case of she said and it doesn't make any difference what he said?
Wins in court? Wins what? There have been no criminal charges filed (yet). This is (as I understand it) all part of a divorce case--the closest he will or can currently come to "winning" is however the divorce proceeding goes and who is awarded what. His wife has already been granted the restraining order (which admittedly isn't hard to get) . Unless Busch files slander and libel charges (slander for the alleged false accusation of spouse abuse and libel for the loss of income from losing his ride) there will be no "winning". The police investigation wound up last Dec and passed their findings on to the DA--up to him to decide whether to file charges or not. If he wants to clear his name, he better hope the DA DOES file charges, otherwise, the suspension will likely stand as the 3 appeals have affirmed.
"We are unhappy with the latest decision to deny our re-appeal, but we will continue to exhaust every procedural and legal remedy we have available to us until Kurt Busch is vindicated," Busch attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement late Saturday night. "Along the way we intend to continue to call attention to the facts and witnesses that will shed light on Ms. Driscoll's true character, motivations and history".
Well, In all things legalese, and especially in civil or case law--precedent is everything. Altho I do agree that in criminal cases (dui included) that innocence is a given until proven otherwise in a court of law, the suspension by NASCAR does not fall under criminal law, and, NASCAR itself is the "Police Officer" of that sport. Nor do the suspensions from NBA or NFL--or MLB. There are appeal processes in place in each league that both club owners and players (& racers) have agreed to. Sometimes the appeal works out (N.O Saints defensive coach) and sometimes they do not. (Yankee's ARod) . Kurt Busch has now exhausted all his appeals and every one found in favor of NASCAR and the bottom line is--------the suspension stands. Even in DUI cases, or Child Protective Investigations, I have seen just the allegation be enough to be cause for termination, because the employer doesn't need or want the bad public scrutiny or shadow of that company having a wrongdoer on their payroll. When the public is your customer or client base, it is they that get the squeaky wheel grease--and of course--the sponsors too. May be that it isn't fair, but precedent was set long ago. A phrase from antiquity comes to mind in these kind of matters. Avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing (appearance of evil in the original context)
And when a person is found not guilty of what they were accused of, allegations maybe enough for the pansy arse corpoRAT blow hards,, to terminate, but not to be sued later when found not guilty of anything. If, this lady is what Kurt AND the Government of the US of A, claim she is, I think it be a hard to believe allegation that Kurt abused her.. as unreported as it is, females do abuse men, and in this case, even tho. Kurt is no angel, he is no match for what she is trained for..
Wins in court? Wins what? There have been no criminal charges filed (yet). This is (as I understand it) all part of a divorce case--the closest he will or can currently come to "winning" is however the divorce proceeding goes and who is awarded what. His wife has already been granted the restraining order (which admittedly isn't hard to get) . Unless Busch files slander and libel charges (slander for the alleged false accusation of spouse abuse and libel for the loss of income from losing his ride) there will be no "winning". The police investigation wound up last Dec and passed their findings on to the DA--up to him to decide whether to file charges or not. If he wants to clear his name, he better hope the DA DOES file charges, otherwise, the suspension will likely stand as the 3 appeals have affirmed.
divorce case,, since when can you divorce a Boy Friend????? Nascar is foolish, and in my opinion down right stupid, to suspend him, "indefinitely".. and should've said he will be suspended if charges are brought against him, until the court of law comes to a ruling, and that doesn't mean a judges comment on a case, it means a ruling from a trial...... and if found not guilty will be reinstated.. if found guilty we will have no choice but to suspend him indefinitely.. This destroy a person before found guilty has got to stop.. all it does is allow a person to make accusations and destroy them . knowing that even after they are found not guilty, that cloud hangs over their heads for life.. and nothing ever is done to the person that made those "false accusations" .. And why I think in cases of "Abuse" be it, hitting a partner,rape,etc.. both parties should have to take a poly.. to many lives are left in ruins, that didn't do anything..
I think this case is odd in and of it itself. Kurt has had countless issues over and over. In the sport itself he has shown a very violent temper. I wonder if there actions are to help him. If you read his last appeal denial NASCAR stated that they would reevaluate his reinstatement following the court ordered treatment. I personally would not want him on the track with this much stress going around. There taking a strong stance but domestic violence is getting very out of control. Well not sure if getting out of control or more are just coming forward. Looking at Kurt's history I believe he lost his temper. But in same line from what I heard she drove to the track and confronted him "worried about his mental state" Is what she said. At least what I read last year when this started. I may have a different view with loosing a family friend this year and having a wife who grew up in a home where she witnessed her fathers violent actions.
divorce case,, since when can you divorce a Boy Friend????? Nascar is foolish, and in my opinion down right stupid, to suspend him, "indefinitely".. and should've said he will be suspended if charges are brought against him, until the court of law comes to a ruling, and that doesn't mean a judges comment on a case, it means a ruling from a trial...... and if found not guilty will be reinstated.. if found guilty we will have no choice but to suspend him indefinitely.. This destroy a person before found guilty has got to stop.. all it does is allow a person to make accusations and destroy them . knowing that even after they are found not guilty, that cloud hangs over their heads for life.. and nothing ever is done to the person that made those "false accusations" .. And why I think in cases of "Abuse" be it, hitting a partner,rape,etc.. both parties should have to take a poly.. to many lives are left in ruins, that didn't do anything..
I assumed wrongly--I thought they were married. The judge's ruling was in regards to the restraining order--that's how restraining orders are always implemented--by a judge or a panel of judge's--not in a trial. NASCAR acted on the judge's comments and his reasoning for awarding the order. NASCAR just wanted to get ahead of the curve--there is lots of precedent for this in sports and employment.
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and nothing ever is done to the person that made those "false accusations" ..
I wouldn't go that far. People have been charged and found guilty for filing false reports, for committing perjury, and found liable in counter suits and the "victim" of the false report awarded damages.
"Indefinitely" suspended can be a good thing--there is no set time period or # of races. It could be forever or as few as a couple of races, and NASCAR can rescind it at any time.
Failing to act in a timely manner has resulted in sports championships being *'d and competitors having to relinquish awards after the fact, and their closest competitor not getting the award.
In 2005, Reggie Bush gave back the Heisman Trophy he won, just days after news broke that the Heisman Trust was going to revoke it.
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The Heisman Trust is expected to revoke college football's top honor from the former USC star by the end of the month. The news comes two months after the NCAA found major violations in the Trojans' football program during Bush's Heisman-winning 2005 season.
USC won 12 games during the 2005 season, which ended with a loss to Texas in the 2006 BCS title game.
Sources said the trust will strip Bush of his award and leave the honor for that season vacant.
Speculation and allegations of NCAA violations were rampant way before he won the Heisman--NCAA has been roundly criticized for not acting earlier, and the Heisman Trust is on record as saying they should have considered those allegations and awarded to Heisman to V. Young or M. Leinert. As it is, the the awardee for 2005 is listed as Reggie Bush, with an asterick or a line drawn thru his name. http://www.sports-reference.../awards/heisman.html
Heck, one of the NASCAR races has no winner listed. I forget which year, but the win was taken away. Recently, also, NASCAR took the points for winning from a driver.
If Ms. Driscoll is proven to have lied, they should throw the book at her. She has access to a lot of things, which is why they believed her.
"The Delaware Department of Justice has carefully reviewed the complaint made of an alleged act of domestic violence involving Kurt Busch in Dover on Sept. 26, 2014, which was reported to the Dover Police Department on Nov. 5, 2014 and investigated," the Delaware Department of Justice said in a statement. "After a thorough consideration of all of the available information about the case, it is determined that the admissible evidence and available witnesses would likely be insufficient to meet the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Busch committed a crime during the September 26th incident. Likelihood of meeting that high burden of proof is the standard for prosecutors in bringing a case. For this reason, the Department of Justice will not pursue criminal charges in this case."
[This message has been edited by Gokart Mozart (edited 03-05-2015).]
shouldn't one be found guilty first, or doesn't that matter.. many a female has lied about "abuse" heck when my parents were getting a devoice my mothers lawyer flat out told her to tell the courts my dad abused her.. thankfully my mother has more class than that. but still.. the abuse should have to be proven before you destroy a persons life..
It really dont make any difference about the abuse statements whether hes guilty or not. Hes already proven by his record hes a douche. How many times has he been arrested for DUI and reckless driving ? Im sure someone will google it, but I know its been more than a couple of times. How do you think he got the nickname 'outlaw'.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 03-05-2015).]
“NASCAR is aware of the Delaware Department of Justice announcement today regarding driver Kurt Busch. As we disclosed Monday, he has accepted the terms and conditions of a reinstatement program and is actively participating in the program. Kurt Busch’s eligibility for reinstatement will continue to be governed by that program and the NASCAR Rule Book, though the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges certainly removes a significant impediment to his reinstatement.”
It really dont make any difference about the abuse statements whether hes guilty or not. Hes already proven by his record hes a douche. How many times has he been arrested for DUI and reckless driving ? Im sure someone will google it, but I know its been more than a couple of times. How do you think he got the nickname 'outlaw'.
well, um.. as seen as that was HIS BROTHER. KYLE.. Kurt is no angel.. but most of the stunts that got him in hot water with nascar, most of the greats did the same crap.. didn't the first Daytona on t.v. have a fight?? Kurt saw the car still had all it's parts, and got back in it to, go to the pits and finish the race, Nascar made a big brew haha over it.. Dale SR. did the same thing, !!! I understand nascar was more into safety when Kurt did it, but still.. Not a fan of Kurt, And him having a Dui , tho not right, how many have just not got caught.. I'll bet that most here can't honestly say they never drove DUI, be it drinks or weed, or?? and even less can say they've never drove in a way that an officer would not call recklessly.
Ive NEVER gotten drunk or high in my entire life. I never had the need to.
So you've never perceived an altered reality! How do you now whether you've missed something significant? I've always had curiosity. Reality is only what we perceive.
