So, the men in Ohio have passed judgement on that crazy second moto event at the season finale (see press release here at Transworld Motocross Online).
The verdict? $5,000 fine against Mike Alessi PLUS a disqualification for BOTH motos (?), which moves him back to 3rd overall for the season. Alessi was also put on 12 months of probation, whatever that means. Alessis is also now ineligible for the AMA Rookie of the Year award (like THAT was gonna happen after that episode!). The AMA also penalized Matt Walker, fining him $2,500 and disqualifying him for just the second moto. Oh yeah, he's on 12 months probation as well.
My take? I'm glad the AMA finally got its act together and did something about that flagrant transgression. I also think that waiting two weeks was a bit, how can I put it?.... LAZY? Obviously, they had bigger fish to fry than enforcing their own rules in a timely fashion. The press release mentions the difficulty in coordinating everyone's schedule... hey man, you're not trying to throw a party, YOU'RE HANDING OUT PUNISHMENT. It's called TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. So what's first? Business or what?
I also don't quite understand the concept of disqualifying Mike for moto one, unless they are specifically punishing him for his altercation with Grant Langston (running him off the track and then kicking at him on the steep uphill). If they are, it should be clearly spelled out in the press release. The press release is the tool to let the racing public know that the AMA means business! Or not...
But $5,000? That's barely a penalty. As Motocross Action's Jody Weisel once noted, if the rider gets a win bonus of $50,000, a $5k penalty for cheating is hardly a deterrence. There needs to be another zero on the end of that fine. Penalties need to cause pain in order for them to have an effect. As it is, this doesn't even rate as a slap on the wrist.
Finally, does anyone really take the 12 month probation seriously? Does anyone really think Mike Alessi is going to change his style because he's "on probation"? Is the AMA seriously saying that if Mike Alessi has one more similar incident in 2006, they'll pull his racing license? This would be funny if it weren't so sad.
The AMA definitely sent a message to the troops with this press release today. Prepare yourself for more "Rollerball" antics in 2006.
4 comments:
I think and know that most of the people and motocross riders don't like Mike and I think they are jealous. He is an awesome rider and he is moving up quick. He has the technique and skills of a pro and he has the mentality. If everyone would just ride and do about what they are there for then that would be a great race to the finish. Keep it up Mike!
There is no question that Mike Alessi is a talented and very fast rider, anonymous person. But his actions at the last round, in my opinion, are inexcusable and detract from his reputation. He has enough speed to get the job done without trying to foul his competition.
Yes, I agree with you 110%.
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