League Notes
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Mayfield Claims He Has Not
Been Told Test Results |
Dr. David Black, who runs NASCAR’s drug testing program, yesterday denied team owner/driver Jeremy Mayfield’s claim that he “hadn’t been told the specific results” of the drug test that led to his indefinite suspension. Black claims that he personally informed Mayfield “what drug resulted in his indefinite suspension at least once.” NASCAR Managing Dir of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston said that he “was not aware of any request by Mayfield to obtain the results.” Black also reiterated that the test “could not have been the combination of a prescription and over-the-counter drug as Mayfield claimed,” and “shot down Mayfield’s claims that subsequent hair follicle tests can clear him.” ESPN.com’s David Newton noted there has been “speculation that the prescription drug Mayfield took was to deal” with ADD (ESPN.com, 5/18).
CUP RUNNETH OVER: In Pittsburgh, Dave Molinari notes there “definitely is some sentiment in hockey circles to try to end” the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier, because “having so much time between games does disrupt the flow of a series and, quite possibly, risk losing the attention of casual fans.” However, the “people backing that idea either don’t have enough support or a satisfactory plan to make it a reality.” Molinari: “Perhaps things will change if heat and humidity turn the Cup final into a swim meet some year” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/19).
MAKING STRIDES: In Minneapolis, Rachel Blount writes the PR “crisis ignited by high-profile deaths” in horse racing in recent years “led to much needed reform in the sport.” But if racing is to "regain stature and popularity -- particularly in an oversaturated American sports market -- it also must find ways to increase its entertainment quotient." The sport “now has a fresh superstar in the elegant, charismatic” Rachel Alexandra, who won Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/19).
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