In case you haven’t heard, Jeremy Mayfield has again tested positive for methamphetamines. Jenna Fryer from the Associated Press broke the story about 30 minutes ago. See it here.
After we wrote about Mayfield on two separate occasions (here and here), some pretty serious discussion developed with the lines clearly drawn between commentors. What are your thoughts now about Mayfield? Where do you think this leaves NASCAR? Do you feel differently about him and the situation now then you did before? Let’s hear it…
Related posts:
- NASCAR’s Poor Response to Positive Drug Tests
- Cup Series Crew Member Tests Positive
- Mayfield Is In It Up To His Neck
- Mayfield Case Could Set A Dangerous Precedent
- How Do Guys Keep Failing These Drug Tests?
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on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
This changes everything. I was skeptical about NASCAR and it’s policy, which by the way is still in need of modification, but the testimony from Mayfield’s step-mother Lisa Mayfield has just buried him.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I initially gave Mayfield the benefit of the doubt, but now I just read that his step-mom outed him.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
If Jeremy’s Step Mom comments about Jeremy Drug Use is true then that would mean that there has been an Meth Head completing in NASCAR Races since 1998 without raising any suspicions of Drug Use from anybody from NASCAR.
JMHO
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Just a question here: What made Lisa Mayfied come forward now and not previously? Or did she come forward earlier and it is just now public knowledge?
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Mayfield is finished. Forget the stepmom and the ex. The tests are the tests. This is not a conspiracy this is a drug addict. NASCAR fans that support this man need to go watch water polo. This is a dangerous sport to even be a spectator in much less a driver. A meth head doing 220 MPH isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I spend 3 grand to travel to a race with my family
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I am so disappointed. He just better come clean (no pun intended) and admit it like a man and go for rehab. And the step-mother? She is an enabler and just as guilty! She knew and said nothing?! That is wrong and awful!
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I was also kind of skeptical about the whole thing. But not anymore.
Not only did he fail the drug test yet again, there is some serious testimony from his stepmom. He is done.
How do you fail a drug test that common sense says is coming? There is no way he didn’t know he was going to be tested again. That is just shocking to me.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Stan really sums up what I believe is the vast majority of fans feel on this subject. What’s crazy is that he hasn’t been put down until now.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
If Jeremy is still taking the same prescribed meds and the Claritin-D for allergies the test is going to be the same.
We all know about the wicked stepmother.
NASCAR goes find someone else…
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I feel sorry for Mayfield. Not because he’s being “picked on”, but because he has a serious problem and needs help. In my opinion, the people close to Jeremy should be worried about getting him treatment, not about getting him on a race track. I guess the addict is the last one to admit that he’s an addict. I hope he gets the help he needs.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
TC.
I forwarded something to you regarding Lisa Mayfield. It’s in your email. I followed some things that Lisa Mayfield was saying in a small time blog here in Las Vegas. Main stream media seems to have missed this minor blog. As you may agree with me – Lisa Mayfield seems to have a bit of an agenda. She’s certainly mad at the man about things that occured within the family. I’m sorry if you get an aneurysm trying to follow the blog. She comes off a bit crazy at times. Ok, most of the time.
I hope that I do not regret sending this. Feel free to expose her blog and that string to your readers.
Some of Lisa Mayfield’s responses to the blog are:
Lisa Mayfield says: May 15, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Are you homosexual for Jeremy?
Lisa Mayfield says: May 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I am his stepmother so dont tell me no way. I was married to his dad. We were togather for 10 years. I am in the process of writing a book, so you can read all about it.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 15, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Why should I support Jeremy when he abused and terrorized his father for two solid years and put him in a deep depression causing him to commit suicide? All of you fans are in denial but you will find out.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 18, 2009 at 12:53 pm
when somebody stays up for 4 or 5 days in a row or has irrratic behavior or is always rubbing on their nose or sniffing, are thosa signs of a problem? I made a promise to my husband that I would let the world know how Jeremy was if anything ever happened to him and I intend to keep it. My husband had the name Mayfield before his son did and since I was his wife I intend to keep it whether you or anybody else likes it.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 16, 2009 at 8:09 am
Hey Kathy- I was writing a book before this drug thing ever came out. Go ahead and buy his racing gear because soon they won’t be making it. When you see someone cry every day for two years because their son won’t acknowledge their existence you become bitter at that person. Keep taking up for him. You don’t even know him. You only know the fake Jeremy.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 15, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I am just telling the truth. Nothing works out for drug addicts. It always catches up with them sooner or later.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 18, 2009 at 1:00 pm
What are you talking about? We lived right beside him for 4 years. In fact We all were married at the same church on the same day. You change your last name-I never will.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 30, 2009 at 3:30 pm
This is for Kathy. NO I did not break up his parents. They have been divorced for about 24 years. It is obvious that none of you know anything at all about Jeremy. It’s rediculous that all of you are taking up for someone you dont know.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 27, 2009 at 2:31 pm
What I wish is that you would quit commenting on everything that is written. What are you- the Jeremy Mayfield internet patrol?
Lisa Mayfield says: May 31, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I was never on a free ride. I have worked all my life. Shana and her parents are the ones on a free ride. Jeremy cheated on Christina with Shana and another girl naned Renee and one more that I know of. What’s wrong Jeremy, did I make you mad? M Mottinger didn’t write that-you did. I wish Nascar would test your hair or even your water bottle. I will be testifying for Nascar. Don’t forget I know all your sources too. Stupid no tooth Bruce, Earl ect.
Lisa Mayfield says: May 30, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I wish he would file a lawsuit against me so I could tell the world about his meth problem. If he sued me there is nothing to get. He made sure of that. The last time I checked- this is America and I can say what ever I want.You cant be sued for slander if you are telling the truth.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
According to his lawyers the step mom has “issues,” whatever that means, that could be anything from her mental state to having some sort of axe to grind, the key point is another test has been documented as positive for meth.
And note, his lawyer claims to have had their negative sample done at LabCorp (1904 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC) and that lab, along with NASCAR’s Aegis Labs, is listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website as certified.
That said, the dispute seems to be at what level the two labs test at and at this point I’ll have to dig a bit deeper into their data base to see if there are differing levels of testing.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
chubdubblub – so what you’re saying is Mayfield is soooo dumb he’s still taking Claritin D and Adderall despite all that’s gone on?
Come on, you really don’t mean that do you?
OR do you?
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Good Bye Jeremy.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Marc keep us posted on the dig, I am very interested but the digging is beyond me
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
truthfully, i just don’t really care anymore. This whole thing has become a fight between a couple of six year olds! I’m expecting the next round of interviews by both sides to consist of “Did too!” “Did not!” and end with Jeremy yelling “Shana, NASCAR won’t let me play in race Sunday!”
It’s funny that Mayfield seems to think that NASCAR is having the tests manipulated. Does he think that they would really set themselves up for the lawsuits that would follow if they were found out? It seems that NASCAR doesn’t have to find ways to speed up the exit of Mayfield from the sport. The guy can’t afford to even attempt races anymore.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
as a poster succinctly wrote on another site: “the science never lied.”
step-mother’s allegations aside, mayfield has failed 2 tests and a third — which his lawyer claims was negative — is actually still being done b/c the lab that the lawyer chose, labcorp, apparently can’t perform the tests using the same protocol as aegis.
also, mayfield gave 3 samples on 7/6: 1 at the lab to which his lawyer sent him after mayfield became lost on the way to the nascar-sanctioned lab; one at mayfield’s home, collected by nascar; and another one, w/i one hour of the nascar collection, done by labcorp.
nasacar says “positive for meth”; labcorp says “still working on it but not positive” and there’s no word on the first sample.
and the B sample sits, waiting for agreement on what lab should perform the testing. . .
also, make time to read the comments by mayfield’s now ex-GM: there were cars and crew ready to race but it became apparently to him that mayfield wasn’t looking to actually race: rather, he was looking to sell off the assets. so much for “running the little guy out of the sport.”
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I’d hate to be the guy sticking up for an addict, and I don’t want to be labeled a conspiracy theorist either. However, why is it ok for the defendant of a lawsuit to be the one testing the plaintiff? According to his lawyer, the independent (non-nascar) test came back negative. Now I take that with a grain of salt as well, but I kind of think this whole story should be taken with a grain of salt – both sides.
But before I go any further, I want to say this:
Have any of you actually seen a meth addict? They do not look like Jeremy Mayfield. Sunken in cheeks and eyes, lesions, rotting and falling out teeth, massive weight loss. Does this remind you of Mayfield at all? The truthful answer is no, it doesn’t. He’s healthy. He looks healthy. The reason I bring this part up is in reference to his stepmother who claims that he’s been doing meth for 10 years. Umm, no. Meth is not a “casual” drug. It’s not something you do on the weekends after a few drinks and a joint. It’s one of the most addictive drugs out there, the only real equivalent being Heroin. If you’ve been on meth for 10 years, you don’t make the chase 2 years in a row. You can’t physically drive a racecar. It doesn’t happen. Either that part is BS, or Jeremy Mayfield is a miracle case that should be studied by govt agencies.
However, that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t done it recently. He may well have. It’s been a crappy couple of years for him – he may have been depressed. I don’t know. And you don’t know either. That’s the problem with this case for me. He really really doesn’t give the impression of someone with a meth problem, although that is exactly what Nascar wants people to think since they’ve included that affidavit. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it either. In the end, Nascar will have their way, bet on that. Mark my words, Jeremy Mayfield – innocent or not – will never see a green flag again.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
RaceMonkey – “Have any of you actually seen a meth addict? They do not look like Jeremy Mayfield.”
Why yes I have, via twenty years in the Navy with over a decade as a certified drug councilor and after attending as a witness in numerous Article Thirty-Two hearings for various drug offenses.
That said you make a generalization that’s not true in every case. Think not, well let me ask you this:
Aaron Fike was busted with his “works,” his skank girlfriend and shown to be a heron user in subsequent tests. Did you see any quotes from relatives or close associates saying they knew of his usage?
I never did, but it was widely reported they all collectively said “Who Aaron, No not Aaron, I never would have guessed it.”
Generalizations never work and yes, discounting what Lisa Mayfield has said is probably the best route to take.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Red – “mayfield has failed 2 tests and a third”
That’s not correct.
He had two positive tests from the “A” and “B” sample taken at Richmond. NASCAR, according to court records, tested that sample again by a separate ind independent ad and it was positive.
This test from six July is the fourth positive result.
As an aside to Newracefan I haven’t done any more digging on the Fed’s website but they describe its list of certified labs as “Meeting minimum standards.
That implies to me some labs can’t or won’t test at the same level as others.
what that means in the case of the two labs in question remains to be seen.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Only JM knows the truth. If he indeed use then he should have done what Nascar required of him to come back. He would probably be done and back or close to it by now. I find it hard to believe that ALL these tests are coming back negative. Why not just test his hair? Of course his lawyer will say their test is negative. It’s his job to make a saint of his client. The step mom’s reasons for saying this stuff seem sketchy but she might be looking for a quick few bucks. I feel bad for JM in the fact if he did use or does use now he needs to admit this to himself and seek out the help he needs. What I don’t like is IF he is guilty then he put the lives of all those drivers, crew members, officials and fans in danger. He is sooo lucky noone was hurt. But then again, karma is biting him in his arse big time right now!
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
marc, I believe that you are missing my point. It may be a generalization, but I’m sure that as a drug counselor you would probably agree that a 10 year drug problem doesn’t lend itself to someone in Jeremy Mayfield’s condition. While I did mention that I really don’t know, I am referring to a likelihood. And I believe that the likelihood stands. It’s possible for sure, but I’ve seen my share of abusers as well and he doesn’t fit the “general” description. As I mentioned before, if he’s a 10-year addict, then he’s a rare case. My point is that he may have very well done it recently. And with Mayfield’s case as opposed to Fike, which many of us are not as familiar with, we’ve seen him publicly much more often. As well as that Fike was on Heroin, and Heroin’s physical effects are not the same as meth’s. And the question about a defendant testing a plaintiff still stands in my mind.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
As an addendum to my last comment, I got my grubby little paws on the court doc NASCAR filed.
It specifically states the lab Mayfield and his lawyers have used [LabCorp] does not have the technical capability to determine the correct and positive results Meth returns.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
ok, marc, now i’m confused. for the sake of argument, i was only counting the may test as a single positive b/c of the controversy (however manufactured) over the compromising of the B sample. but i agree that there were 2 positives there as both A and B sample tested for meth. i wasn’t aware of a second test of that sample by an independent lab nor of any result. do you have more info on that? was it from the A or B sample from the may test? do you know who the independent lab is who was used?
bottom line: we agree on 3 positives and i’m uninformed on 4. regardless, that’s a whole lotta posiitive out there!
(by the way: great site you’re running! one of my bookmarked sites.)
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
You had to know this was coming. It does not take this long to get negative results back. Anything beyond a few days is bad. A week is definitely a positive.
Chub – yes, if that combination caused the first positive and he was still taking those same drugs it would cause the subsequent tests to be positive as well.
marc – “so what you’re saying is Mayfield is soooo dumb he’s still taking Claritin D and Adderall despite all that’s gone on?”
Nobody has claimed the guy is smart!
Seriously, after the cluster f* of the testing that went on last week, it is increasingly difficult for me to believe him. If you are truly innocent, you hurry your ass to the lab and take the test. If you are worried about the process and getting screwed, have your attorney meet you there and witness the test and the process.
If you were taking the drug combo for ADD/ADHD and it caused you to test positive, then yes marc….stop taking it! Deal with not being focused for a little while.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
@racemonkey: is aegis, in fact, a defendant in the case? or is it just against nascar?
also, i’m more than willing to toss mayfield’s step-mother’s statement out without reservation because, ultimately, it is irrelevant. the science is what matters, not the personalities nor the gossipy tidbits.
@marc: that may be why labcorp still hasn’t produced its results: it can’t replicate the aegis testing protocol.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
@racemonkey: never mind: i found the answer and yes, aegis is name as a co-defendant so i guess your question stands.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I’ve seen this so many time before there are no parameters in the 10 panel test they give these guys it does not take into effect the prescribed medication which shows up as the same as meth you can sit there and say but and that is all you will get people on one side saying the test shows meth people on the other saying adderall i know i can’t spell so come up with something else, but what i do know is that without it going to a lab, not a lav who knows the difference in the correct way to say either, those quick test can not tell and he should be able to sue for any of this even getting out maybe even sue the step mom she needs to get a job even if it is at walmart there is nothing wrong with working there those guys do a honest days work for a honest days pay and for those of you that do not think that do your own ordering stocking and pricing on your own dime this man has been racing for quite some time funny how when the money stop flowing to some one who had a since of entitlement the stories just came out I THINK NOT it would be great if the one who made alligations would have to spend 3 years on their own dime making their way then after they struggling bring this up to prove their not in for the money only for the good of the individual nothing else then i could beleaveit
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 12:02 am
As a former meth user I feel really sorry for Jeremy. I know how hard it is to admit you use thos horrible drug. Is he a junkie? Only he knows that question. Is he a casual user? That’s my bet. Truth is it has all caught up with him. I am sure he has been dodging this bullet for years. Jeremy please do what you need to do and get back on with your life. You are still a young man.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 12:20 am
NASCAR has gotten themselves into a big mess. They can argue that Mayfield should not be allowed on the track, but in so doing they have left the impression that he has been driving for 10 years despite a meth problem. They have aligned themselves with Lisa Mayfield who was married to Jeremy’s father, who presumably committed suicide a few years ago. She is also said to be writing a book, which means that her motives are questionable to begin with. And based on the blog noted by Las Vegas Greg, her posts seemed to have started right after the positive test.
They can also file subsequent test results in support of their position, but it seems clear that any subsequent test results from Aegis, itself a litigant in the suit, are naturally tainted.
What we are left with is a situation where if we take the NASCAR arguments at face value, then their system is clearly ineffective because it allowed Mayfield to race even though impaired. It also raises questions as to whether driving while on meth is actually a problem. It is not as if he has had several crashes that he caused or other significant situations which would make people (either other drivers or fans) concerned for their safety.
It isn’t even clear as to what types of problems the use of meth would have. It could enhance concentration to make him a better driver or it could impair judgment making him a more reckless driver (or both).
This is in no way to say that it is a good thing for drivers on meth or any other illegal substance to be on the track. But given that this is no longer a hypothetical concern and is instead a real issue, shouldn’t NASCAR be doing everything it can to remove suspicion from its drug testing program?
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 2:15 am
“…Have any of you actually seen a meth addict? They do not look like Jeremy Mayfield. Sunken in cheeks and eyes, lesions, rotting and falling out teeth, massive weight loss. Does this remind you of Mayfield at all? The truthful answer is no, it doesn’t. He’s healthy. He looks healthy…”
VERY good point.
Here’s some CREDIBLE background info: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Some serious mudslinging on this. Apparently JM is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against his former step mother today implicating her in his father’s death.
That certainly cuts into her credibility – especially if she knew about the drug use for years.
My prediction – JM never races again. The question is whether or not he gets a check from NASCAR to go away.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Excuse me, but I am having a problem with this step-mom testimony. She waits this long why? I think the best thing for the court to do is conduct it’s own drug test. A hair test will reveal any long term use and settle this once and for all. You can’t have one lab showing a positive and another, Jeremy had his own test performed, showing a negative. Neither side has proven their point with me. I want to see a truly independent test.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 11:09 am
OMG, Americans loves a witch hunt, always have,,, GET BOYS!!!!..get a rope!!!
You people have NO CLUE what is really going on here. The fact you would even listen to a disgruntled step mother is idiotic, accelerated by the FACT …WHERE HAS SHE BEEN????… until NASCZAR went to court, AND THEN wrangled her…. after JM’s lawsuit.
There is a long history of black bag politics in NASCZAR. Consider “The only NASCAR driver to win two Grand National races in a row from the pole by leading every lap” , Curtis Taylor,,,he was blackballed, and GONE>>> if meth was around back then….he might have failed the test too.
If you cross NASCAR, you are done.
Consider Carl Long, and whatever he did to piss off NASCZAR, and it WAS NOT just a 2nd party’s engine mistake.
shame shame shame….You all sure jump on the band wagon, WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW FOR A FACT ANYTHING, EXCEPT WHAT ONE PARTY IN A COURT CASE IS TELLING YOU. JEREMY SAYS HE IS INNOCNEBT, IS THIS STILL AMERICA???
not in NASCZAR LAND IT ISNT.
JM WAS A GOOD DRIVER, and now you crucify him based on secret drug tests…. but that is typical of humans.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 11:47 am
I dont know if Mayfield uses drugs or not,,, Nascar says he does and he says he doesnt and his Stepmom “appears” to be a bit unstable,,,, it is not out of the question that Nascar is being typical I’m bigger then you and you will believe what I say Nascar b/c,, well b/c they can… What I do know is this will set Nascar back ten years in the eyes of the mainstream media who only recently and begrudgingly acknowledges Nascar as a legitimate sport.. We all better damn well hope Jeremy is a drug user b/c if it is proven he is not Nascar will never recover from this. IMO
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Ouch. Quite the rant Garry.
We will have to take back your crayons now.
Can the adults please have the chat room back now?
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
GH – I agree. This is not good for NASCAR – innocent or guilty. As someone said….a lot of mudslinging going on….everyone ends up with some mud on them when that happens. For years, we have been the sport where this stuff does not happen. Clean cut, guys next door, yada, yada, yada….
Now, while I do discount the stepmom, the sanctioning body has entered into evidence a document declaring one of their drivers has been making/using meth for more than 10 years. Meth is not your typical entry level drug. If using it, you are likely using other drugs too. And meth is not something most people use just sporadically. If what stepmom says is true, you have to think he has been using other drugs and using them all on a regular basis.
So, if guilty, NASCAR ( we as an industry and sanctioning body) look silly that they nobody ever suspected him. If innocent, the lengths NASCAR has gone to crucify him look pretty silly.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
What I find reckless is headlines such as the one at the top of this entry:
“Mayfield Tests Positive A Second Time for Meth”
This might as well have been written by a member of NASCAR’s own PR department. Those who only read headlines will conclude that it’s true and the game’s over. Hell, even some so-called “journalists” are jumping on the bandwagon.
Now…if the headline read:
“NASCAR: Mayfield Tests Positive A Second Time for Meth”
…it would give a much more accurate portrayal of what’s really going on, because it would include attribution, i.e., NASCAR said so.
Here’s a column with a much more sobering (no pun intended) perspective. First, a little taste:
“…NASCAR runs its entire testing program. There are no union employees to help negotiate effective polices, to assure the balance and fairness France amazingly speaks about. There is no transparency to the entire process, no complete list of banned substances provided to drivers…
“…There is no basis for how results are collected and recorded, no oversight of any kind outside NASCAR suits and their own laboratory, no arbitration procedure for a swift and final resolution, no binding sanctions in place, no avenue for grievance, no route for appeal before someone is suspended indefinitely, no observance of federal guidelines that allow someone 72 hours to have an independent lab test a sealed backup sample in order to challenge a positive result…”
The rest: http://www.lvrj.com/sports/49971987.html
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I don’t know whether JM likes the meth or not, all that I do know is that he has an enormously big mouth & seems to bring his troubles on himself. I’m not so sure people would want to work with him even if his pee pee was clean as a whistle.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I guess the real question is who is telling the truth, Nascar or Mayfield, or rather which lab do you trust doing the tests correctly.
Who would you trust?
Aegis Laboratories, run by one man Dr. Black, with one office in Nashville Tn.
http://www.aegislabs.com/aegislabs.aspx
or:
Labcorp, with hundreds of labs all over the country. listed on the NY stock exchange, with no interests in Nascar.
https://www.labcorp.com/wps/portal/
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Marc: “It specifically states the lab Mayfield and his lawyers have used [LabCorp] does not have the technical capability to determine the correct and positive results Meth returns.”
Have you looked at LabCorp website? They are a much bigger company than Aegis, with a lot more resources that Aegis. How could they say that Labcorp doesn’t have the technical capability that Aegis has. I would venture to guess they have much more “technical capability” than Aegis.
Labcorp owns larger companys than Aegis, with far greater abilities
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Racemonkey – You have obviously have taken into account the words given by Lisa Mayfield in asserting he’s been a drug addict for ten years.
Considering she’s been pretty much unmasked as a crank that’s not a very wise move. It’s obvious someone with that long a history of meth use would show outward signs of that abuse.
Red – First thanks for the compliments on the site. It takes a lot of hard work just as NASCAR Insiders does and frankly not sure how they do it considering they have day jobs and I have the advantage of being happily retired..
Secondly, to clarify the positive results I count the first test in Richmond as two positive results as both the A and B samples tested positive.
NASCAR entered into the court record when those two were positive they tested those samples again and by a different and independent lab. That makes four positives at that point, plus the test of July six makes five positive tests. At best and not counting both A and B samples he has tested positive times, at worst five times.
If desired contact me via my site’s contact page and I’ll send you the PDF file of that court doc and the one that was filed this week.
As many of you may have heard Mayfield promptly called into the Late Shift on Sirius to tell his side, this is what he said in response to being asked about the tests he took last week:
“Yeah, definitely. And I took it at two different facilities. One was at the Piedmont Urgent Care before their test and another one actually at an emergency room right after their test. And the one I took after their test was, I’m going to say 30, 35 minutes later just to let you know the timeline there. I promise you they’ll show different results than what they show.”
Piedmont Urgent Care isn’t listed as being certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The irony of course is Mayfield and his bank of lawyers have contended in their original lawsuit that NASCAR’s drug program is faulty because it fails to follow guidelines set fourth by SAMHSA, yet now Mayfield, presumably on the advice of his lawyers, have used a laboratory that’s not certified by the same government agency.
Obviously you can’t have it both ways, to accuse NASCAR of not following fed guidelines, then use an uncertified lab as proof of anything is disingenuous at best, at worst it’s flat-out stupid.
And frankly I’m not sure what to make of him taking a test in an emergency room. Desperate actions by a desperate man I guess because that test means exactly dog squat.
NOTE to Garry… put down the mouse and slowly back away from the monitor before you hurt yourself.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Henry, why yes I have looked at the LabCorp website and in fact you will see it linked on one of my “Mayfield posts.”
We ain’t takin’ sex here, size means nadda, zip, ziltch in this case.
You can “venture” all the guesses you care to they mean nothing unless you, or I can prove they and Aegis operate at the same standards and at this point I have not had time to do the research into the matter.
But one thing is clear, both Mayfield and his bank of lawyers are trying to claim Piedmont Urgent Care is the proper place to counter NASCAR’s claims.
It’s very plainly not when the lab isn’t certified by the gov agency they [falsely] claim NASCAR has to follow.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Henry – “Aegis Laboratories, run by one man Dr. Black, with one office in Nashville Tn.
And so?
Guess you forgot to mention they also…
“For over twenty years, Aegis® has provided comprehensive drug testing and consultation services to colleges/universities, high schools, and professional/amateur sports organizations throughout the U.S. Aegis® is one of the largest independent Sports Anti-Doping Laboratories in the world.
We provide comprehensive services from policy & procedure development/review to results consultation and interpretation. Aegis® is the official drug-testing sponsor of the College Athletic Trainers’ Society (CATS).
Is it your contention this “one man” as you call him is running a fly-by-night operation that can’t be trusted?
If so, please point me in the direction of any and all complaints and or lawsuits from any of the above named organizations in the twenty-five years Aegis has been in operation.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
From everything I have found, Aegis is very well respected in the field and highly specialized. It is well enough respected that it is a consultant to the MLB players association on drug testing. LabCorp is involved in volume testing, whereas Aegis serves a niche market.
It would be much easier to evaluate the situation if someone in the media had made the effort to compare NASCAR’s drug testing program with that of another major racing series.
As I recall the District Court judge’s decision in the injunction hearing, he did not specify that NASCAR’s testing of Mayfield be done by someone other than Aegis.
From what I have read, at this point the only recent drug test that can be assured to have been of Mayfield is the recent test by Aegis where Mayfield was required to give an observed specimen. I have seen nothing written that says that the tests that were done voluntarily involved observed specimens from Mayfield. It is my understanding that the NFL requires that the urine samples for its tests be submitted under observation.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Richard in N.C. – “It would be much easier to evaluate the situation if someone in the media had made the effort to compare NASCAR’s drug testing program with that of another major racing series.”
It would also be nice if someone, anyone, in the media called Mayfield on his propensity to spread BS thicker than the ozone layer.
Specifically to your observation Mayfield claims his first test was submitted while NOT under observation, and has been quoted as saying he never saw the Richmond sample sealed, it comes down to who do you believe.
The filing done by NASCAR for the original lawsuit contained a section that specifically addresses this.
QUOTE
Aegis’s random and anonymous testing of Mayfield was
conducted in accordance with Aegis’s chain-of-custody procedures set forth in the Affidavits of Thomas L. Carter ((“Carter Aff. (Doc. 21-6)”) ¶¶ 9-18), Mike Roberts ((“Roberts Aff. (Doc. 21-7)” ¶¶ 9-13), and Dr. David L. Black ((“Black Aff. (Doc. 21-2)”) ¶¶ 25-27). Mayfield confirmed the propriety of these procedures and certified that his sample was properly collected and sealed. See Carter Aff. (Doc. 21-6) Ex. 2, Mayfield certification stating that “I certify that I provided my
urine to the collector . . . ; that each specimen bottle used was sealed with a tamper-evident seal in my presence and that the information provided on this form and on the label affixed to each
specimen bottle is correct” (emphasis added).
UNQUOTE
Again, who do you want to believe, Mayfield who has demonstrated an ability to stretch the truth on occasion, to be kind, or NASCAR who by filing this section in the counter-lawsuit is subject to criminal penalties by doing so?
Not to mention Thomas L. Carter and Mike Roberts who filed signed affidavits stating they not only witnessed Mayfield and his tally-whacker as to did the deed but watched as he signed and sealed the samples.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
There it is Journo and TC — You’ve finally had the first ever usuage of “tally-whacker” at your site. It’s all downhill from here.
I’m admiring how quiet the two of you have been today. It seems as if the natives get restless if you gentlemen share your informed opinion.
It may be best to let others spill the blood here?
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Marc- The point I was trying to make was that the only July test so far known to have actually been a test of JM was the one for which the specimen was taken from him under supervision at his home, which is the one that came back positive for meth.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Substitution is the only way to beat a drug test. None of those drinks or recipes work.
The lab JM got ‘lost’ going to was an observation lab, so he had to go to a lab(s) where he could could carry in someone elses’ sample.
He failed the test at the track in richmond because it was a surprise test. They come and get you and you follow. No time to gather or ‘mix’ clean urine (you can buy a powder to make your own on the internet).
He failed the test when they came to his house because it was an observation test.
The tests he did pass was because they were not testing his urine.
Probably his lawyers.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
The only way this will ever be fully resolved is if Mayfield is tested by an independent lab capable of differentiating meth from the legal drugs he is taking (Adderall is an amphetamine; Claritin D is a pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrines are used to make meth)…AND…this independent lab must also NOT have a vested interest in the outcome. Period.
(And with all the lawyers involved in this one, that’s probably never going to happen.)
Oh, and Marc…are you implying that NASCAR doesn’t stretch the truth? (See: Tim Richmond, Bill Simpson)
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
The theory that Nascar falsified Mayfield’s drug test because they harbor a grudge against him just doesn’t make sense. What exactly does Nascar have gain by running Mayfield out of the sport three weeks or month before he would have had to close his shop anyhow? Does anyone really think that Nascar wants to reinforce it’s reputation as a sport for white trash ran by white trash?
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Dob – “Oh, and Marc…are you implying that NASCAR doesn’t stretch the truth? (See: Tim Richmond, Bill Simpson)”
Oh gee… look it’s a shiny disco ball we can all look at and divert our collective attention from the real issue.
That issue being the here and now, not something from the far past with different circumstances and a different chain of command at the head of the sport.
Sorry that duck don’t fly.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Richard in N.C. – “The point I was trying to make was that the only July test so far known to have actually been a test of JM was the one for which the specimen was taken from him under supervision at his home, which is the one that came back positive for meth.”
No I specifically answered your point in the quotes provided in the comment immediately proceeding yours.
But first let me correct something from previously, both my last post and this one refers not to NASCAR’s counter-suit but a court filing in response to judge Mullens lifting of the suspension.
That said, the court doc filed notes that both Thomas L. Carter and Mike Roberts witnessed a “second test” not the one at Richmond, at an independent laboratory, meaning not by Aegis, and confirmed that the positive test result was not the product of a false positive AND they observed him as he gave the sample and also witnessed him sign the sealed container that contained it.
That counters any and everything Mayfield has said in public and nothing that I have seen in the public record by his lawyers would suggest otherwise.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I believe it is a misconception that Piedmont Urgent Care is the “lab” , testing was probably done by LabCorp. Normally these urgent care offices only “collect” the samples. Even if Peidmont Urgent Care did do the tests, which I doubt they did, this would be two different labs that tested negitive. I’m not saying Aegis isn’t a qualified lab, however we have two or more labs coming up with different results, if you believe both parties in this case.
I find it distrubing that Nascar won’t allow Labcorp, to test sample “B” from this last test, and also sent sample “B” of the first test to Aegis. If the tests were positive to the extent that Aegis and Nascar says they were, then I would think any certified lab would come up with the same results.
This is becoming more of a “he said/she said” thing and will probably only be settled by the courts.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
“…Oh gee…look it’s a shiny disco ball we can all look at and divert our collective attention from the real issue…”
The “real issue” is that NASCAR has a history of being less than honest. Here’s what I mean:
http://www.salisburypost.com/2001april/041301ed.htm
“…That issue being the here and now, not something from the far past with different circumstances and a different chain of command at the head of the sport…”
The only real difference is Brian France. Mike Helton is second in command under him, and was also second in command under Bill France Jr. at the time of Earnhardt’s death in 2001.
Sorry, that snark don’t fly.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Henry, so you think it’s a “misconception” that Piedmont Urgent Care is the lab in question and last Monday’s test was done by LabCorp.
Then can you explain why Mayfield said it was Piedmont Urgent Care that conducted that test?
It darn sure wasn’t a so called “slip of the tongue,” as the name of the two labs aren’t easily confused and the name Piedmont Urgent Care has never been the topic of discussion in any interviews or entered into court docs previously.
Henry, that makes zero sense.
If you really consider it disturbing LabCorp isn’t allowed by NASCAR here’s a question for you.
A common defense now by Mayfield, his lawyers and the blind faithful is Aegis shouldn’t be allowed to conduct this testing because they are not “independent” due to being so closely associated with NASCAR.
Using that logic shouldn’t that apply to LabCorp or any other lab Mayfield selects?
LabCorp has a “dog in the fight” now and stands to gain revenue via more testing of Mayfield and potential consulting fees via being called on as expert witnesses in any subsequent court hearings/trials. [and yes, "expert witnesses" DO get paid and very handsomely in many cases]
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Just found this video from a local TV station, interviewing Mayfield. He stated he has taken 15 tests since this all started and continuing to have one done every two to three days. All have come back negitive. If this is true, and the tests are “from a certified lab” what do you think a judge or jury would think. In addition he has a camera crew filming him pretty much around the clock, or as he puts it “24/7″.
http://www.wsoctv.com/video/20078432/index.html
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
“”"Henry – “Aegis Laboratories, run by one man Dr. Black, with one office in Nashville Tn.
And so?”"”"”
Aegis — annual rev. = $1,735,000
http://www.bizjournals.com/gen/company.html?gcode=034FD4DCE4364F89BBFB42C0655FBCB6
Lab Corp — annual rev = $2,000,000.000
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84636&p=irol-irhome
Aegis is probably a very good “local” lab in Nashville, LabCorp is national with (as I stated before) many more resources than Aegis.
If Aegis is such a big time “sports testing fac.” seems like they would be doing a lot more business, not even $2 mil per year
I don’t think Labcorp needs any more fees or advertisement for their product with $2 bil. in rev., but I bet Aegis could use some with less than $2 mil.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Did anyone happen to ask JM whose urine he had tested?
Aegis is a privately held corporation, so I would question how bizjournals came up with their revenue number. Besides, Aegis’ website says it has 150 employees, and I feel certain Aegis brings in more than $11,566.67 of revenue per employee.
Just because they are huge doesn’t mean that LabCorp does the same kind of specialized testing that Aegis does, or that it does it in the Charlotte area.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 8:29 am
In a VNC interview Friday, founder David Black, M.D., said19-year-old Aegis’ ranks have jumped from 40 to 178 employees in the past two years, and he believes the count will “easily” hit 200 this year, before reaching 250 during 2010.
Black declined to detail the company’s current finances, but said Aegis is “growing very rapidly, very nicely and we will exceed our budget for 2009. We’re blessed to be in a great place,” he added. Earlier published reports have pegged Aegis’ projected 2009 revenue at more than $30 million.
Black explained that much of Aegis’ recent growth has been spurred by client NASCAR’s expansion of drug testing to include random testing of drivers, pit-crew members, officials and others associated with the sport. NASCAR’s earlier “reasonable suspicion” program required fewer tests.
http://www.venturenashville.com/news.php?viewStory=275
As I see this, Nascar is a very large part of their revenues. Black himself says that “much” of the current growth comes from Nascar. From $2mil to “projected $30mil quite a jump I would say
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Henry – “Just found this video from a local TV station, interviewing Mayfield. He stated he has taken 15 tests since this all started and continuing to have one done every two to three days. All have come back negitive. If this is true, and the tests are “from a certified lab” what do you think a judge or jury would think. In addition he has a camera crew filming him pretty much around the clock, or as he puts it “24/7″.”
So, he stated he had 15 tests. He’s also stated he took a hair follicle test that would prove his innocence but it’s never been entered into the public record of the court nor has any of his lawyers mentioned it in any context.
And most importantly, why are these alleged 15 negative tests not been raised in any of the court proceedings so far?
He also stated NASCAR never allowed him to take a second test after the first one in Richmond, that’s patently false as a second one was taken by an independent lab [meaning not Aegis], came up positive for meth and was entered into court records as fact.
He’s also made wild unsubstanciated claims NASCAR “spiked” his samples with zero proof.
Henry, do you see where I’m going with this? If not, here’s the point.. he will say and doing anything at this point.
If you don’t see that you need to step back and really survey the situation.
And BTW, you also need to review Mayfield’s Sirius radio interview as it pertains to this alleged “film crew” that is now following him around documenting his life.
According to Mayfield in that interview the “film crew” didn’t start filming anything until the tests were taken on July 6th.
So the reality is they don’t mean dog squat until and unless they “catch” something on film after that time.
And I’ll end this with… and so, you can post all the financial Aegis info you care to it changes nothing.
henry – “As I see this, Nascar is a very large part of their revenues. Black himself says that “much” of the current growth comes from Nascar. From $2mil to “projected $30mil quite a jump I would say”
Did you really think before you wrote this Henry?
Gee, under the previous “reasonable suspicion” policy NASCAR in a “bad year” may have tested, via Aegis, and handful or at most maybe 10-20 people.
Now under an expanded program that includes EVERY hard card holder, a number in the thousands range, before the season even began and about 10-12 people each week since then is it any wonder revenue has gone up for Aegis?
Did you even consider that possibility before penning this last para?
on Jul 19th, 2009 at 10:50 am
As a former lab tech( who was NOT employed by LabCorp) I know for a fact LabCorp has bad results and isn’t always reliable. They are HUGE yes but they hire just about any schmoo who is remotely qualified. I have spent days on the phone between them and Dr’s tracking specimens they have “lost” or that had results that were not correct so LabCorps size and the fact there is one on every block ( like McD’s and Dunkin Donuts ) means zilch. What does matter is that JM and his battery of lawyers have not produced ONE valid negative test result. JM is acting like most addicts I have seen and yes even tested “Go ahead test me it will be negative THEY are wrong I don’t use” This being said as the blood is still coming out of the fresh needle mark.
I have seen people who look very healthy, alert and CLEAN who are addicts including lawyers and others who “looked” just fine. Addicts are by nature manipulative and creative in their desire to not look like addicts. IF JM is not a user he is acting like one by running to everyone and proclaiming his innocence while not showing and proof. Sadly either way this is not a good situation. IF JM was truly innocent and clean he would have IMMEDIATELY had him self tested by several labs and distributed THOSE results to anyone who was around media passersby on the street giant billboards etc. Did he do that no he ran to every media outlet he could find to make excuses. As far as I can tell the “film crew” following JM is paid for by JM…. the motivation for them to show anything bad is zero and they will only show what he says to show.
on Jul 19th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
NBRF -= You mean like this suit where LabCrop was 40 percent responsible for a $28 million in a wrongful-birth lawsuit in 2007?
To be fair this wasn’t a urinalysis case but it involved lab testing non-the-less.
on Jul 20th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Pretty much everything I have posted are articles which appear on the internet: videos, newspaper interviews, etc. with the links, so anyone can read or view them for themselves. Everyone can draw their own conclusions. I have no vested interest in Nascar or Jeremy, however, it’s just my nature to favor the “underdog” in these types of things. (Carl Long for example).
About the only two times I voiced my opinion was to say that I found it disturbing the Nascar didn’t want to allow Jeremy’s lab to test sample B of the second test, which seems to be true, and that Aegis has more of a “vested” interest in this than Labcorp. which I also believe to be true.
I have not come out and said Jeremy was not guilty, but “if” what he says is true, knowing what little about the case as I do, and I am on the “jury”, my vote would go to Jermey’s side. Too many things just don’t add up for me with Nascar. For example, when they took the first sample, Aegis tested both A and B samples. Why not let another lab test sample B. Then they sent the “unsealed” samples of the first test to another lab (which they chose) to be tested. Why would they not let a lab that Jermey chose to make those tests. (BTW, I don’t think those tests will stand up in court, since they were unsealed). Now they have a second test, also tested by Aegis, why not have the courts assign a lab to do that testing? Maybe they will, I don’t know. In addition, I believe Dr. Black has stated hair testing is not viable (if you notice, according to their website) they don’t do it. But according to all I have read, it is a god way to test, and samples can not be tampered with. Like I said, just too many things don’t add up for me
“”"”7. How does Hair Testing compare to urinalysis?
The primary differences are
1) wider window of detection
2) inability to tamper with the test
Cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates and PCP are rapidly excreted and usually undetectable in urine 72 hours after use. The detection period for hair is limited only by the length of the hair sample and is approximately 90 days for a standard test.
At this time there are no known adulterants for hair tests. Since hair tests analyze the drugs inside the hairshaft, external contaminants/chemicals have no effect.
Additional advantages include non-intrusive collection procedures, virtual
elimination of test evasion.
The combination of an increased window of detection and resistance to evasion makes Hair Testing far more effective than urinalysis in correctly identifying drug users.”"”"”
http://www.omegalabs.net/abouthairtesting/hairtestingfaq/hairtestingfaq.aspx
BTW: nice debating with you Marc!!
on Jul 20th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Since we are introducing law suits how about this one for Aegis, involves chain of custody, not the Dr. not “checking the correct box”
Aegis suited by Metropolitan Government of Nashville
http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/opinions/tca/PDF/034/Woods.pdf
http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/term_1999_2003/rs2003_1550.htm
on Jul 20th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I have no clue – it’s all been said here. I put absolutely nothing past any of the players. Maybe we need to wait and hope this case actually goes to trial. Maybe Mayfield (whose career is clearly doomed) is hoping for a settlement, but I am sure NASCAR would rather litigate than settle.
Meanwhile, every other word out of the lawyers’ mouths will be variations on “outrageous.”
on Jul 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Henry – “About the only two times I voiced my opinion was to say that I found it disturbing the Nascar didn’t want to allow Jeremy’s lab to test sample B of the second test, which seems to be true, and that Aegis has more of a “vested” interest in this than Labcorp. which I also believe to be true.”
And guess what, your opinion is based on a guess, thin, or no air.
FACT, not opinion, not some internet myth, it’s FACT taken directly from court documents:
QUOTE
Notwithstanding the testing results by Aegis, an independent lab re-confirmed the results which indicated that methamphetamine was present in Mayfield’s samples.
Affidavit of Mitchell LeBard (“Lebard Aff. (Doc 21-11)”) at ¶ 6, pp. 6-7. A second test at an independent laboratory again confirmed that the positive test result was not the product of a false positive.
UNQUOTE
This quote rel;ates to Mayfield’s sample taken at Richmond and totally debunks his and “the internet’s” myth that Aegis is the only lab reaching the same conclusion.
Secondly, to your point on sample B of the second test both his lawyers and NASCAR are waiting for the court to decide how, when and by who should test that sample.
What exactly do you want them to do, test it without court approval?
And finally, your vested interest is a load of hooey the same argument can be said of LabCorp as they damn sure aren’t doing these tests for free and in fact have a “vested interest” based on the probability they have been retained by his lawyers at a handsome fee.
You continue – “The combination of an increased window of detection and resistance to evasion makes Hair Testing far more effective than urinalysis in correctly identifying drug users.”
Which raises the question, why hasn’t Mayfield entered into any court record the hair test he claimed to have taken when he ill advisedly busted his suspension at Lowes?
As for your Nashville/Aegis thing… and so?
I’ve already addressed that, in short your pointing to something that occurred 9 years ago and at this point there’s zero proof it’s happened again, maybe it will be but your grasping at straws.
Might I suggest you use the search function on the FDA website? It’s very instructive and shows a butt load of warnings and what amounts to cease and desist orders issued to LabCorp for bad and in one case illegal practices.
A search of Aegis turns up damn few by comparison.
on Aug 20th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Somebody besides Nascar needs to be testing these drivers, a neutral professional trusted laboratory maybe. Its stupid that an organization like Nascar doesn’t have a drug testing program that works, the big boss has got to go, time to clean house.
As far as people looking like meth heads, and not… have a clue people! They come in all shapes and sizes, and if Jeremy is using this awful drug and driving races with it still in his system, the only way anybody is going to know, is from
a thorough fair testing program.