Jeremy Mayfield Drug Scandal
On May 9, 2009, driver Jeremy Mayfield was suspended indefinitely as part of NASCAR's drug policy. Mayfield fought the suspension, saying that a combination of Adderall and Claritin-D caused the false-positive. NASCAR, refusing initially to name the drug he tested positive for, only stated that it was "a drug of concern." In a court hearing on July 1, it was claimed that Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine.
NASCAR has refused to release a list of banned substances as other leagues have done. Many drivers expressed concern that an over-the-counter medication would yield a positive test and suspension.
NASCAR filed affidivits claiming that Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon both expressed concern about Mayfield being allowed to compete.
On July 1, 2009, US District Court Judge Graham Mullen granted a temporary injunction, lifting Mayfield's suspension. Mullen concluded that the "likelihood of a false positive in this case is quite substantial." In granting the injunction, Mullen ruled that the "harm to Mr. Mayfield significantly outweighs the harm to NASCAR". Mayfield has been unable to find a ride, and the court case against NASCAR, coupled with his team not competing in his absence, has caused Mayfield to lay off 10 employees, sell off personal effects and borrow money from his family.
In May 2010, Mayfield's lawsuit was dismissed on six grounds, including lack of evidence.
On November 8, 2011, Mayfield was indicted by a grand jury on drug possession charges following a November 1, 2011 raid on his property in which police exercised a search warrant and found Methamphetamine and $100,000 of items reported stolen.
Read more about this topic: Criticism Of NASCAR
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