Whit Bazemore the next Ron Artest?
Written by David Lamm · November 25, 2004
We all saw the NBA’s “Motown Throw Down”? repeatedly shown on news channels all across the country. Images of NBA player Ron Artest going into the stands to throw haymakers at Detroit fans ran across our TV screens non stop. The NHRA has its own “bad boy” in Whit Bazemore and a recent fine and probation by the NHRA will try to keep him under control for at least a little while.
NHRA.com: Bazemore fined for Pomona incidents
If you are looking for television footage of Bazemore attacking fans you will not find it. Bazemore is actually very gracious and accommodating to his fans so the comparisons to Ron Artest might be a bit unfair. At the same time, the NHRA big wigs back in Glendora are scratching their heads regarding what to do with Bazemore. His most recent incident cost him $15,000 and puts him on probation until Nov. 16, 2006. That is two complete NHRA POWERade seasons for Bazemore to be on his best behavior. Apparently Bazemore was exiting the racing surface area too quickly and endangered the safety of NHRA safety personnel and the ESPN crew. NHRA officials also found that Bazemore’s use of profanity towards chief starter Rick Stewart, was considered unsportsmanlike and detrimental to the sport of drag racing. Why was the fine and probation so severe? For an isolated incident this punishment doesn’t fit the crime, right? Wrong.
Much like NBA Commissioner David Stern stated regarding Ron Artest’s suspension, Stern considered Artest’s track record of ill mannered outburst. I am assuming the NHRA officials took the same approach with Bazemore. Bazemore has been previously warned and fined for unsafe driving practices when exiting the racing surface. He was also fined $5,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the 2002 season for an altercation with a security guard at Atlanta Dragway. Bazemore might not be as volatile as Artest but someone needs to sit him down and tell him he needs to control his temper. I understand that competitors are excitable creatures and that winning and losing is taken very seriously. Bazemore needs to take a deep breath and take a step back before letting his emotions take over. The safety of everyone at the track depends on it.
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9 Responses to “Whit Bazemore the next Ron Artest?”
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i heard from my dad that you were one of my cousins i think thats pretty cool. You’re a awesome drag racer. Please write me back.
Bazemore’s wife is probably sick of hearing two babies cry. Face it you’re no Gary Scelzi or Ron Capps and on your very best day you’re no match for John Force.
Force fan always!!!!!
I think its time for Twit Bazemore to be replaced with Dean Skuza.
Whit, say hello to Mr. Beckman.
Maybe more interest in MATCO next season.
Dear Bazemore,
Why are you such a poor sport
It sends a message to my own kids that its ok to have a fit when things do not work out right.
Your comments about Capps and Force are disrespectful and thats why you got popped in the mouth
We have all figired out that you have someything to do with MATCO pulling sponsership from Don because he was going to fire your ass
WE KNOW WHIT
Bazemore has always been a whinning little punk with no class. Throw the guy off the track and let the professionals show us the most exciting sport in the world. He gives the real racers a bad name.
The only reason anyone likes John Force is because evryone else dose. I Cant hardly stand all the lemmings out there. This is why I cheer for the anti-John Force. All you loser force fans better get out your hankeys and tissues ready because Bazemore is going to kick some John Force ass next year!
Where’s all the kicking ass this year I see that MATCO finally got sick of WHITTT I think I will be buying matco mtool AGAIN
Whit Bazemore is out for a reason. Drag racing is a sport, but also it is entertainment. People pay good money for these guys to put on a show, not be a punk. John Force is a great sport and makes the NHRA what it is now, and makes it what it will be in the future.