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Over the last couple of years, there has been quite a bit of discussion on this website about Jeremy Mayfield’s situation.  The failed NASCAR drug tests and the subsequent lawsuits have been the topic of more than a few TNI blog posts.  And those posts attracted dozens of reader comments with some being good, some bad, and some ugly.  But now, with knowing what we know today, I’m wondering how many out there have changed their view of Mayfield and his predicament.  And can we finally say definitively that Mayfield has a problem?

From the very start, Mayfield has contended that he is innocent and his failed tests were caused by a mixture of medications.  The science of his argument never really added up, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to fight anyway.  Mayfield’s pursuit eventually spawned a lawsuit against NASCAR.  Years of litigation and ridiculous accusations aimed at the sport and it’s brass ensued.

At one point in the not too distance past, Mayfield literally had it all.  He was a young, attractive, rich, and talented race car driver with a boundless future in front of him.  Now, he faces a very difficult road.  Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but Mayfield is in serious trouble here.  From the news reports there appears to be quite a bit of evidence against him, not only for the drugs, but for theft as well.  He is most likely facing some sort of jail sentence.

Jeremy Mayfield, welcome to rock bottom.

At the end of the day, I’m only left feeling bad for Mayfield and his family.  The guy clearly has problems and needs real help.  And what’s worse, is that all of this could have been avoided.  There were plenty of opportunities for him to make things right along the way, but he just wouldn’t give it up.  So instead of admitting he has what appears to be a serious drug problem, getting help, and working to get reinstated by NASCAR, Mayfield chose to continue propagating the lie.  I hope it was worth it.

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As I sat here this evening trying to decide what I was going to write about I couldn’t help but think of the almost daily bad news coming down on Jeremy Mayfield. Now I’m not going to talk about his guilt or innocence here. It is frankly irrelevant to the post. But I thought it might be interesting to look at what Mayfield is now facing.

On May 9 Jeremy Mayfield was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for failing a drug test administered to him at Richmond. NASCAR refused to name the drug/s Mayfield tested positive for.

As the week progressed Mayfield claimed he failed the test over a mixture of Claritin-D and a prescription drug. NASCAR drug test administrator Dr. David Black of Aegis Sciences Corporation said that was impossible.

Fast forward, Mayfield and attorney Bill Diehl filed suit against NASCAR seeking among other things a temporary restraining order that would allow Mayfield to compete. A Mecklenburg County judge heard the case May 29. He denied Mayfield’s request. During the hearing we learned the driver was taking Adderall for ADHD and Claritin-D. According to NASCAR there was a third drug they did not name. Mayfield’s attorneys did not submit the toxicology report.

Prior to bringing the case before a Mecklenburg County judge the following week NASCAR requested the case be moved to Federal Court. The request was granted.

On June 5, NASCAR countersued Mayfield in Federal Court claiming willful violation of the substance abuse policy, breach of contract, and defrauding competitors of earnings. The suit claims Mayfield failed to notify Dr. David Black of his change in prescriptions in accordance with the drug policy and also that he defrauded his fellow competitors of $150,000.

ESPN the Magazine’s Ryan McGee, reported on June 9 that he had confirmed with two independent sources that the illegal drug Mayfield tested positive for was Methamphetamine. This allegedly was the third drug that showed up on Mayfield’s failed test.

This week chassis and engine builder Triad Racing Technologies filed suit in North Carolina Superior Court against Jeremy Mayfield Motorsports for $86,000. They claim they were not paid for parts and services rendered.

On top of this, NASCAR filed a motion in federal court on Tuesday alleging the expert witness used in Mayfield’s lawsuit lied about his credentials. Among other things NASCAR claims Dr. Harvey MacFenerstein did not have medical degrees or certifications he claimed to have. MacFenerstein claims he told Mayfield attorney John Buric the qualifications listed in the affidavit were incorrect and Buric assured him they would be corrected. NASCAR is asking for reimbursement in defending itself against Mayfield, that MacFenerstein’s testimony be dismissed, and that Mayfield’s attorney’s be sanctioned for failing to conduct a reasonable inquiry into MacFenerstein’s credentials.

Now I’m no legal expert, but I think it’s fair to say Mayfield is in it up to his neck. He has one lawsuit against NASCAR (which looks now to be on very shaky legs) and two separate lawsuits against him. Not to mention Mayfield’s means for making money has been cut off. On top of this he is financing a legal team headed by Bill Diehl which I can tell you is not cheap.

They say hindsight is 20/20 and I’m guessing Mayfield is beginning to wish he hadn’t taken on NASCAR. This is a company that has its own legal department with half a dozen+ attorneys. On top of their own team working on this they have Winston-Salem attorney Paul Hendrick and his team. Also working in NASCAR’s favor is their unendingly deep pockets. They can afford to drag this case and their own case out for months. I highly doubt Mayfield can.

Long story short, I’m glad I’m not Jeremy Mayfield.