Sauter Docked Points and Dollars For Language

This week Johnny Sauter was fined $10,000, docked 25 points and placed on probation through the end of the year for "inappropriate language" after the Busch race in Las Vegas. The money fine is OK with me, but I have a real problem with NASCAR damaging a driver's entire season with a points deduction for simply expressing his opinion in language that NASCAR doesn't like.

Yes, NASCAR is trying to foster the image of itself as a family sport but the financial burden of the $10,000 fine would have been enough. Docking Sauter points for language is simply going too far. NASCAR drivers are very intense competitors and are pumped full of adrenaline when they jump out of the car. If a reporter sticks a microphone in his face then he's going to say what he thinks.

NASCAR calls this "inappropriate" language. Considering the circumstances I think Sauter's comments were entirely appropriate.

You can read the full news story here at NASCAR Online.