BLOG: Words Unsaid Good for Kyle Busch

At Dover yesterday—and on Sirius/XM this morning--there was some chatter about Kyle Busch not talking to the media/radio after he was taken out of the race by Clint Bowyer.

Having seen it, it was clear, at least to me, that Bowyer thought he was clear and came up out of Turn 4. Busch was still there and smacked the wall. The impact destroyed the right front of the car and ended Busch’s day.

It also ended his pursuit of a weekend sweep, which only one driver has ever done (Kyle Busch).

Busch waited on Bowyer as the cars cycled around for the yellow, and Bowyer knew it. He ducked under another car and hit the gas, with Busch in pursuit. It took Dave Rogers a few moments to get Busch to slow down and not exact retribution, and Busch pulled the car into the pits and behind the wall.

Busch, naturally, was smoking hot. Any driver would be. Busch is not any driver. What makes him such a good one is also what makes him…tempestuous at times. It’s the same with Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick, among others.

So, naturally, Busch walked to the hauler, changed clothes and left. He didn’t stop to talk. While the journalist in me doesn’t really like that, the journalist in me also appreciates his dilemma. If he stops and talks, he’s going to say something stupid and inflammatory and probably fine-worthy.

He didn’t, and that’s OK. It wasn’t going to be anything I could print, or that TV would let on the air, and all it would do would be to create some controversy and buzz and associated foolishness.

I don’t blame him for letting sleeping dogs lie. Ours is the only sport where we do interviews ON the field of play. I’ve been on the field at NFL games, and I can tell you, they aren’t interested in putting on the dog and pony and giving you a quote from the heat of battle.

It’s akin to walking up to a modern-day military commander in the midst of battle, while the issue is still in doubt, and asking him how his day is going. You’re going to be “escorted” away from the man in charge, with prejudice, and be lucky you don’t get shot. Certain drivers I’ve worked with, you just show up, shut up and wear team colors, and hope you don’t have to go to war if your driver goes for some payback in the garage.

Kyle Busch has always had the right to remain silent. On Sunday, he proved he has the ability. Of course, because he didn’t before, he is taking flak for not stepping on his own foot with golf shoes on. Sometimes, the best statement is no statement at all.