Shaun Murphy writes for, among others, the National Examiner on the subject of performance enhancing drugs. He’s an endurance athlete who, while never having taken a PED himself, became disillusioned with professional sports after seeing more and more athletes cheating by the use of PED’s.
He’s now a nationally known writer and blogger on the subject of PED’s and the impact they have on sports.
Recently Shaun and I were given several questions on the current affair concerning NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield.
1. What was your reaction to NASCAR's first Mayfield methamphetamine positive test result?
Shaun Murphy: Each violation of a league’s substance abuse policy is unique, but I knew this was going to be different in the sense that the sides were 180 degrees apart with their stories until the it was revealed that Jeremy had tested positive for meth. I was surprised that a driver would test positive for that drug, but wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. 
Greg Engle: when the news first came out, I tended to side with Jeremy. Having met and interacted with him on several occasions, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought his over the counter and prescription drug mix argument made sense and might just be a valid argument. Of course the more that has come out, the less inclined I’ve become to believe his side of things and I now feel that I don’t know him as well as I thought I did.
2. Did NASCAR handle the original testing process appropriately?
SM: I feel that they did. They have a program and enforced it. While Mayfield does not like the results, no other drivers have come out and said their program is a sham. If throughout this process, they learned of some areas for improvement, another win because at the end of the day unlike other sports safety is of the utmost concern for NASCAR. The drivers and the crew need to ensure that the track is a safe working environment for themselves and the fans.
GE: I think what people forget is that those inside NASCAR are professionals, not some evil monsters hell bent on taking over the world. That being said, I think NASCAR handled the test in a manner consistent with the rules and procedures used by other large organizations. After talking to several drivers and learning how NASCAR’s procedures work, I’ve only strengthened that belief. I agree Shaun that NASCAR will only learn from this and improve any weaknesses they may find making it better for any driver who will test in the future.
3. Did Mayfield have valid reasons for providing a sample to a lab at his attorneys choosing and delaying the process once NASCAR requested it including having NASCAR officials wait an hour in his house?
SM: No. If you’re clean and have nothing to hide, you’re ready, willing and able to provide a sample whenever. If he has a drug problem to the extent that has been alleged, he can let the phone go to voicemail, confer with his attorney and try to find a lab that could provide them better service or not visually verify that he provided a sample. Obtaining prescriptions through anti-aging clinics does not look good, neither does delaying the test both at his lab and at home. Some cynics naturally jump to the conclusion that he might have been looking for some assistance to pass the test.
GE: Actually Shaun, he dodged the test for nearly seven hours. He made repeated phone calls to the testing site asking for directions, and then didn’t show. He then made calls asking that he be allowed to test at a clinic of his own choosing because he couldn’t find the one provided by officials. NASCAR finally sent testers and security to his home to get a sample. And yet they still had to wait for another hour for him to show. So was the delay by Mayfield just because he’s that dumb, or because the longer you wait, the more water you can drink, the more chance you have to dilute the test results?
4. Now that a second NASCAR test has come back positive and an affidavit says he has used methamphetamines repeatedly, what is your reaction? Any change from the first result?
SM: The benefit of the doubt is gone even though he has passed several tests on his own. We don’t know how they were implemented. The affidavit is shocking and the amount of detail it provides is alarming and paints a picture of an individual with a problem who needs help. I would be disappointed if the allegations were true and another driver knew about it and didn't say anything. Not only would this driver be putting himself at risk, but he would have information that could impact the safety of all the other drivers and folks associated with the sport.
GE: It’s important to remember Shaun that Mayfield is claiming that his tests came back negative, to date he’s not actually shown those results. He’s also now claiming that Dr. Black, the person in charge of NASCAR’s testing program, intentionally tainted the second result in order to frame him. To me, Mayfield seems like a condemned man looking at the gallows in the courtyard and grasping at straws in an attempt to avoid the final walk. If anything with the second test, NASCAR went out of their way to ensure that everything is above board knowing the attention that everyone is paying. As for the affidavit I don’t think for a second that any driver ever knew that Mayfield was abusing anything. With the amount of work it takes to become a driver in NASCAR’s top series no driver would knowingly put himself or herself in a position that would jeopardize their status; a crewmember maybe, but not a driver.
5. It's on now. Mayfield has now claimed NASCAR paid his stepmother for the affidavit and then accused her of murdering his father. Is this a bad country song or really happening? What do you make of Mayfield's latest allegations?
SM: Given that his career is likely over, this appears to be a desperate late round punch that unfortunately weakens all of his prior claims.
GE: Having worked in law enforcement I know that taking a sworn affidavit from someone isn’t something that is done lightly. I agree that Mayfield is indeed gasping for air after already sinking twice and slipping below the water for a third time. All it will take is for one single witness to come forward who can corroborate the stepmothers’ allegations and you can stick a fork in Mayfield because he will be done.
6. Do you feel NASCAR was fair to Mayfield?
SM: If there wasn't a legal battle which Mayfield instituted to lift his suspension, perhaps the public would never learn the substance he tested positive for. I feel transparency is the best policy. The sport will take an initial hit, but for other drivers they will see the exact process of what happens when someone violates their substance abuse policy. Mayfield chose a nice strategy of the little guy fighting the all powerful corporate giant, but in the end, the corporate giant needs to protect the other drivers, crew members and fans.
GE: Mayfield is smart enough to know that there is a segment of the fan base that will defend anyone against anything when it comes to NASCAR. To that segment, NASCAR can do nothing right and those fans will fight against NASCAR blindly and without logic. When Mayfield was first suspended he put on his ‘golly gee wow, look what the mean men at NASCAR are doing to me’ face. Some fans started a website to take donations for Mayfield’s legal defense fund and began crying and moaning about how NASCAR was trying to railroad Mayfield out of the sport. In fact the goal of NASCAR’s drug program is to help someone who has a problem and get them back into competition.
“Our penalties are very tough,” NASCAR’s CEO Brian France told me earlier this month when I asked him what they would like the outcome of their drug program to be. “The road back is more difficult than perhaps other sports leagues, but the inherent dangers are much greater.”
“…but we really want to see someone follow the road back, get healthy and come back and race with us.”
7. How do you see this playing out for both NASCAR and Mayfield?
SM: NASCAR will take some lumps from some fans but will ultimately learn ways to improve their program. They will also have shown to others that they take this issue very seriously and there are repercussions. Rather than talking about the sport and what's happening with a possible Danica Patrick move, we're talking about meth. Mayfield looks finished. He was offered to get back into the sport if he went through NASCAR's rehabilitation program, but instead he opted to fight and it turned into an ugly, bizarre cable drama with more days in court ahead.
GE: I agree that it’s too late for Mayfield to ever salvage his career. Early on had he stood up and said ‘I’m not admitting guilt, but I’ll do what NASCAR wants me to do so I can race again’, then he may have had a shot at putting this behind him, not now though it’s way too late for that. At this point Mayfield looks like the kid who tells his mom he didn’t raid the cookie jar even though he has chocolate stains around his mouth.
As for NASCAR they will weather this little storm and find ways to strengthen their all ready tough program. It has to be tough because in other sports an athlete who takes drugs, whether they are performance enhancing or recreational, usually risk nothing more then their on-field play or their stats. In NASCAR anything that can change a competitors thought process or reactions when operating a 3400-pound steel racecar could have fatal consequences to himself or those around him, including other drivers, crewmembers or fans. With that in mind I think history will ultimately show that NASCAR did and will continue to do, the right thing.
Related articles:
What if Jeremy Mayfield really is guilty?
The difference between NASCAR bashers and NASCAR critics
NASCAR: Mayfield used illegal drugs during races
Can we forget about Mayfield and just race?
NASCAR needs to come clean with Mayfield
Comments
Amphetamines - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives
Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine
(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)
Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil
Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)
Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)
Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, diabetes
I think Nascar has a problem... a big problem... If Mayfield's recent statements to fox are correct the facts in the story above and the timing are false and can be proven since face since Mayfield has a camera crew filming his every move. I think Mayfield knew that Nascar would go all out... and so he set up his own drug testing and had a camera crew at his his house 24/7.... Nascar is a large powerful company that hires attorneys and investigators to get what they want... the affidavit from his Step Mother is a Joke. I'm willing to bet that the Reality T.V. program is filming Jeremy taking his Adderall with an over the counter medication and then being tested.. The reason because the Negatives he is getting from his lab are negative (but it excludes positive for Adderall as it is prescribed... the levels come back are in the data) but the test still is negative. The facts I know and my gut lead me to believe Mayfield.
NASCAR stepped in it. In a major way. JM doesn't have the look of a ten year Meth user, as his stepmother alleged. He has 15 neg tests from reputable labs, and NASCAR/Dr. Black have two positives and atleast one Negative that they administered. Advantage, Mayfield. Bring your checkbook Brian, and hope to avoid antitrust/Monopoly litigation. Things are looking better for the former KY track owners also. ISC stockholders are in for a crash, IMO.
I agree that barring some sort of miracle Mayfield's career is more than likely over. His attorney must be having a fit after the bonehead statements Jeremy has made. That said I'm still not ready to convict him. Some of the previous posts make some valid points. JM cetainly doesn't look like a man who has been using meth for a long period of time, and there are many substances that can cause a false positive when testing for meth. There is a history of bad blood between JM and his stepmother and that gives me reason to question her motives in giving the affidavit. If she personally witnessed JM doing meth why didn't she come forward years ago in the interest of the other drivers' safety? I also have to wonder why none of the other drivers are speaking out. It may not seem strange that they are not defending JM, but why are none of them are stepping up to defend NASCAR and its testing program? I'll be watching this situation closely.
The facts surrounding this story are so distorted its ridiculous. It seems to me as though Nascar screwed up originally with their test on Mayfield and are now trying to cover their butts because they didn't want their drug testing policy to look flawed. Adderall and Clairiton D can definately cause a false positive for meth, which is what I believe happened in Jeremy Mayfield's case. This isn't the only time that Aegis Labs and Dr. David Black have been involved in controversy before. There are so many questions surrounding this case. When one takes a drug test, there is what they call an A sample and a B sample. Nascar and Aegis labs claim that Mayfield tested positive for Meth in the A sample. By law, the individual tested has the right to have the B sample sent to a seperate lab to be tested. Black and Aegis never did this. Why wouldn't they just do a hair sample if they wanted to find drugs? Why would a federal judge rule in Mayfield's favor if he was guilty?
Yeah, Nascar is really digging a hole for themselves in this whole thing. I have a friend that works for a drug testing company and she told me that depending on the kind of test run that it is definately possible to have a false positive like Jeremy did while taking those meds. I believe Jeremy on this one. Plus if you've ever seen a meth addict or been around one you would realize what one looks like. Jeremy Mayfield definately does not have the appearance of a meth head. Nascar would never admit that they were wrong.
now any judge with any sense would have too look at nascar test they are from the company that is being sued of course they aren't gonna say we messed up..mayfield would win..take a hair sample people you can spike a pee sample but there isn't any messing around with hair
Well, thats the problem right there. Mayfield keeps telling them to take a hair sample and they won't. What does Nascar have to hide? Why do they keep lying about the facts and dodging questions? How can Mayfield take 15 other drug tests and meth doesn't show but the two that Nascar does show meth? I think Nascar messed with the wrong guy on this one and bit off more than they could chew. Plus as someone posted earlier he has it all documented on film. Nascar said they couldn't get in his house for an hour when they came to test him, Mayfield says he let them right in and he has it all on camera. I'm more willing to believe Mayfield, this whole thing just doesn't add up.
So far only 2 tests have been established to be of JM's urine - and he flunked them both. Oh and it appears that JM's most recent "negative" test fails to find any trace of the Allderall JM says he's still taking.
Super article. I'd almost forgotten what an objective discussion looked like.
I would not take Nascars or jeremy's word on the testing. It is too bad the judge didn't order testing done at a lab of the judges choosing which was not connected to Jeremy or Nascar, have an person appointed by the judge to escort Jeremy to that testing lab. that way no other person touches the sample but the lab technician who tests it. The lab should test it twice. Then there would be no questions with the result.
The 2 tests Mayfield "failed" were both administered by the lab embroiled in the lawsuit. Can you say conflict of interest?
if nascar wanted to erase all doubt it would have used a new lab and if i were running nascar not only would i have used a new lab for the 2nd test i would have used 2 new labs on the 2nd test how does someone fail 3 drug tests from 3 diffrent labs .
Lou says..."if nascar wanted to erase all doubt it would have used a new lab and if i were running nascar not only would i have used a new lab for the 2nd test i would have used 2 new labs on the 2nd test how does someone fail 3 drug tests from 3 diffrent labs."
Um, they did that, the Richmond test was by Aegis, a second test was positive for Meth and conducted by a second lab AND affidivits by two tourt along with the test results.
Lisa - "The 2 tests Mayfield "failed" were both administered by the lab embroiled in the lawsuit. Can you say conflict of interest?"
WRONG,the Richmnd test was by Aegis a second positive tst was done be a second lab. Yo keep ignoring the truth, what's with you/ Really if you don't believe it Ask, I'll send to the filed court docs that prove it.
Secondly... LabCorp has been hired by Mayfield or more likely under a retainer by his lawyers and stand to gain revenue by the case.
Can YOU spell conflict of interest?
Get the point? If not here it is spelled out fer ya, that argument fails to hold the slightest amount of water.
Nikki Meyers - "Plus as someone posted earlier he has it all documented on film."
Geesh, you'll believe anything won't you.
A bit of advice, rather than trust what may or may not be opinion as opposed to fact review Mayfield's Sirius Radio interview.
He plainly states the filming didn't start until the July 6th test and didn't verify whether any of the testing that day was captured on film.
That aside, his film crew stunt proves nothing, except the possibility he has taken nothing illicit since the start of filming.
It doesn't help nor hinder the current court case. It's a stunt, pure and simple.
88 is great - "Nascar and Aegis labs claim that Mayfield tested positive for Meth in the A sample. By law, the individual tested has the right to have the B sample sent to a seperate lab to be tested."
Really? Then cite the law if you can.
You sound like his lawyers who are falsely claiming NASCAR's policy has to follow Fed guidelines.
And see my preceding post, a second and confirming test by a lad, not Aegis, was conducted.
You should follow your own advice Marc. Nascar tested Mayfield TWICE, both tests conducted by Aegis Labs. The so called "third" test, done by your independent lab (associated with Aegis) tested the urine left over from the Aegis test. Since those containers had been unsealed by Aegis(if they were ever sealed properly to begin with)that makes them compromised. AND, no where, in any of Mayfield's interviews, does he say filming started after the July 6 test. If you were really into FACTS, you would remember that Mayfield had a film crew with him when he attended the All Star Race in May.
Lisa - "You should follow your own advice Marc. Nascar tested Mayfield TWICE, both tests conducted by Aegis Labs. The so called "third" test, done by your independent lab (associated with Aegis) tested the urine left over from the Aegis test."
Really? Show me, point me in the direction of a reliable news source that claims any or all of what you claim.
Lisa blovioates some more - "AND, no where, in any of Mayfield's interviews, does he say filming started after the July 6 test.
Do ya think?
Then I suggest you revisit Mayfield's interview done on Sirius Radio when asked about it.
Mayfield: "Yeah, I'd love to respond to it. The day after this happened [July 6th], day one, we started shooting a documentary on all this, some buddies of mine and friends of mine in the past that I worked with, they're in the movie business kinda, out in L.A. And we started shooting a documentary of our lives every day since then.
Lisa, put down that Kool-Aid
Oh Lisa... where are you Lisa? Nothing to say now?
How so typical of some of you people. You make wild claims, are totally unequipped to discuss them and when shown to be completely and utterly wrong you disappear into thin air.
if nascar is so sweet as lots say why do they pick lab and phys to ask judge to have mayfeild take test why not let court get lab and phys.
why did nascar not test dale jr # 88 when he could not find pits in a few races was because he was on dope or drunk they have there pick didnt wont to upset fans because hes no driver anyway. hes a cry baby only reason hes in nascar is because of dale sr. mr h would get rid of him if he dont start running whitch is a laugh go check his record at myrtle beach he was a joke one 2 races there could not even at back of feild o daddy give me car to run his dad set up cars only reason he ran up front. lol
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