Having a “Bad Boy” image, whether in sports, games, or Hollywood has become fashionably en vogue now. Sporting antics and behaviors not of the squeaky-clean kind, if the truth be known, better sell tickets and some say help to develop sports dynasties- well, for awhile, at least. Just look at the antics of pro footballer Terrell Owens, poker player Phil Hellmuth and, lest we forget, singer and pop princess Britney Spears.
Las Vegas, not to be left out of the “elite” circle, boasts race car driver Kyle Busch, who just last Saturday smashed the
champion’s “trophy” guitar after winning the Federated Auto Parts 300 in Gladeville, Tennessee. Why you ask? Reportedly, to share pieces of it with his team. We kid you not.
Mind you the guitar wasn’t a cheap knockoff. Oh no, rather it was a unique, one-of-a-kind custom made Gibson Les Paul electric guitar adorned with artwork by the artist Sam Bass- it was one NASCAR’s most cherished trophies.
Disrespecting the trophy and the artist is not a smashing good behavior example, definitely not befitting a role model for youth aspiring to be racers- and just plain good citizens.
And, sadly, this is not the first incident that tarnished Kyle’s image, while also placing a pock mark on the venerable sport of auto racing.
True, Las Vegan Kyle Busch is one of the world’s best racers right now. But he’s also one of the most petulant teenagers on the track that’s not a teenager– he’s 24. Hopefully, Kyle can now see fit to accept some “brotherly love” and ageless wisdom from his older brother, Kurt, who has matured in the past few years into one of the sport’s most eloquent spokesman.
And the behavior modifications might just translate to a big payout. While Kyle has won three Cup race to Kurt’s one this year, big bro is fifth in points with Kyle currently in ninth place.
Las Vegas Backstage Access readers, what say you?
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 