NASCAR is no stranger to controversies and on-track scuffles. Drivers keep trading expletives in the wild races and confront each other post-race. Fans love this high-speed drama, as they support their favorite drivers. However, even the controversy-loving NASCAR fans know where to draw the line between conflict and sheer disrespect.

Hence, when an NBA athlete insulted a journalist recently, even NASCAR fans joined in the conversation. Patrick Beverley, the Milwaukee Bucks veteran, was already known for a short temper. But recently, he took things too far.

Protests against NBA champ ring across NASCAR fan world

The Milwaukee Bucks have been facing a streak of bad luck over the 2023-2024 season. Their chances came to a halt on Thursday when the Indiana Pacers eliminated them from the playoffs. Patrick Beverley played a team-high 40 minutes and equaled his season average with six points. But he also shocked the NBA world by chucking a basketball at an unsuspecting female Pacers fan, hitting her head.

However, this was not the end of his unchecked emotions. The press gathered around his locker after the game. The team’s sixth-leading postseason scorer was visibly frustrated, and he vented his anger on Malinda Adams. He asked the ESPN veteran reporter to step aside if she had not subscribed to his podcast. Beverley shoved Adams’ mike away a few times as well, and eventually, Adams left.

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This riled up the entire NBA community against Beverley, with ESPN journalists demanding an apology. A NASCAR reporter also shared this event, considering her close ties with Adams. FOX reporter Shannon Spake tweeted: “I worked with Malinda for more than one decade covering NASCAR. One of the hardest workers, best humans who deserves better than this.”

NASCAR fans agreed with Spake’s viewpoint. One fan hailed Adams: “Seriously. Malinda is the best – he owes her an apology. And that’s not even enough.” Another fan suggested that Beverly does not deserve to stay in the sport:“Why is this guy still in the NBA?”

One fan questioned the surrounding media people who stayed mum while Adams was treated in this manner: “Everyone does. First, why is Pat like this? He’s so garbage. Second, why did none of these men say something? This was the easiest time to take issue with him and his antics. Drop talking to him. Drop your sub. Drop your listen. He ain’t worth it.”

Another NASCAR fan observed that Beverley is pathetically trying to gain more popularity: “Bad way to get your podcast attention but tell me he didn’t just gain 10k minimum by that rude ass flex.”

Patrick Beverley’s status as a villain is thus further cemented. Such negative characters exist in NASCAR as well.

The fine line between race heat and disrespect

Dirty driving is a well-known feature of NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt was nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’ for his reckless driving style. Yet he harbored huge respect in motorsport circles as he was a fierce racer, but a kind man. However, drivers like Noah Gragson are way different. Besides his wrecking attitude, Gragson has often made inappropriate remarks after races.

In a 2021 Homestead Speedway race, Gragson’s night ended when he slid into David Starr’s car. Starr had blown a tire and crashed, collecting Gragson’s leading car as well. Post-race Gragson verbally attacked Starr and other underfunded teams, using some colorful language. He even defended himself on social media, believing Starr did not actually blow a tire.

Hence such characters can be found in every sports field, be it NBA or NASCAR. And it has become a debate of sorts if such entities should be called out heavily. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.