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TonyB
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From That's Racin'
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - NASCAR President Mike Helton issued a warning to Busch Series drivers Saturday to watch their language and actions, especially in regards to TV broadcasts and interviews.
Helton addressed the group in Saturday morning's drivers meeting and plans to do the same in Sunday's Cup drivers meeting at North Carolina Speedway.
"All of you understand how NASCAR typically treats actions that are played out on TV, particularly when it comes to profanity or actions that we think are detrimental," Helton said.
"What I wanted to do today is to make sure you understand that while we may have been a little forgiving over the past few weeks ... that we're going to tighten back up on profanity in the sport."
TV networks have come under scrutiny recently over events and language considered in bad taste or in violation of FCC regulations.
Helton cited the Super Bowl halftime incident in which singer Janet Jackson exposed her breast as an example. In addition, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal recently was suspended for one game without pay (roughly $295,000) for a profanity-laced interview on TV following a game.
"The networks and the government are getting ready to get into this deal and it's going to make things complicated. So, I wanted to be very precise and want you to understand that this is your warning," Helton said.
"If somebody puts a microphone in front of you, the first thing that ought to go through your head is that you're talking to your grandmother or your 4-year-old daughter. You have to watch what you say because it's beyond what we want to do in the sport, to make it a family oriented sport."
TV talent, particularly those who work pit road and conduct post-race interviews at races, have been advised to help prevent incidences of foul language as well, sources said.
TV reporters caught in such situations are likely to cut an interview short, sources said.
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - NASCAR President Mike Helton issued a warning to Busch Series drivers Saturday to watch their language and actions, especially in regards to TV broadcasts and interviews.
Helton addressed the group in Saturday morning's drivers meeting and plans to do the same in Sunday's Cup drivers meeting at North Carolina Speedway.
"All of you understand how NASCAR typically treats actions that are played out on TV, particularly when it comes to profanity or actions that we think are detrimental," Helton said.
"What I wanted to do today is to make sure you understand that while we may have been a little forgiving over the past few weeks ... that we're going to tighten back up on profanity in the sport."
TV networks have come under scrutiny recently over events and language considered in bad taste or in violation of FCC regulations.
Helton cited the Super Bowl halftime incident in which singer Janet Jackson exposed her breast as an example. In addition, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal recently was suspended for one game without pay (roughly $295,000) for a profanity-laced interview on TV following a game.
"The networks and the government are getting ready to get into this deal and it's going to make things complicated. So, I wanted to be very precise and want you to understand that this is your warning," Helton said.
"If somebody puts a microphone in front of you, the first thing that ought to go through your head is that you're talking to your grandmother or your 4-year-old daughter. You have to watch what you say because it's beyond what we want to do in the sport, to make it a family oriented sport."
TV talent, particularly those who work pit road and conduct post-race interviews at races, have been advised to help prevent incidences of foul language as well, sources said.
TV reporters caught in such situations are likely to cut an interview short, sources said.
