ESPN conduct in post race interviews Gateway NNS Race

[DougS]

With out rehashing the incident on track. I felt it was completely un-called for ESPN to approach Bob K at that exact moment and location. ESPN got what they wanted a juicy soundbite. But would Bob K make that same statement the next day after having the time to talk to his son, ensure his health?

From where the 22 car came to a rest, the #22 team couldn't see Brad K as he was rushed immediately into an ambulance due to the angle the ambulance parked. The last comm was I'm okay.

I know I've uttered those words before I knew one way or the other if I was okay just to re-assure others or because I really didn't know.

I couldn't believe the comparisons today of Bob K to Tom Logano.  I feel these are two completely situations. Tom Logano has repeatedly inserted himself into situations on the track. Bob K didn't insert himself ESPN tracked him down and shoved a bright light and big camera in his face.

ESPN should be ashamed of themselves and their conduct. My 2 cents! Let's hear yours.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 That's what the media does, gets the story while it's hot. We've seen this same type of coverage with most on-track incidents. Of course, emotions are very high moments after an incident.

 I'm more concerned about NASCAR's reaction and whether or not they'll realize, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, in regards to Carl Edwards' antics.

[scott b]

I felt ESPN obviously needed to get some reaction from the Keso camp to contrast Edwards' post-race comments.  First choice would have been to get it firsthand from Brad, second choice from his crew chief or someone else on the team who's expected to talk to the media on a regular basis as part of the job.  It seemed like time was a factor as they were trying to get an interview quickly before the top of the hour, so they went with Bob.  Though it wouldn't be my first choice for a sound byte, I'm not totally outraged by it.  I may be cutting them a little extra slack due to Bob being a racer himself, he certainly knew he had the option of saying "no comment" and walking away... though he was obviously speaking more as a father than as a racing insider at that moment.  Sticking a camera and mic in the face of a family member who was not directly involved in the sport would have been much more tacky IMO.

[Chris]

Yeah.. I am kind of split..
But in general I am sort of disappointed after one race coverage of their new season
USED to be ESPN was the "ultimate" authority on NASCAR racing, had the best coverage, best announcers, etc..
I think when we lost ESPN full time we lost a good deal... and MANY of us wanted them to get back on baord.
SO far they have been a major disappointment compared to past years (back in the day)

[just a fan]

I think Bob K knows the ropes as far as interviews are concerned, and of course ESPN wanted a sound bite. That is the goal in every interview. I am not a big fan of sticking microphones in drivers faces right after an incident, but I am torn when it comes to the crew, owners, etc. I think he had the choice of waving them off but instread chose to speak. At the same time I really do not think we can hold him responsible for what he might say because at that point he is a father and he was thinking like a father. Most people that think through it will realize that.