J-Laws Apology

[Dirtbikindad393]

July 08, 2008
Jason Lawrence Issues Public Apology
Hey everybody,

I want to start out by apologizing to everyone at RedBud, my team at Yamaha of Troy and the entire MX industry on what not only happened this past weekend, but also for the rest of the crap I’ve been involved with this past year.

Things are pretty much rock bottom for me right now. I was on top of the world when I won the Western Lites title a couple months ago and now I’m sitting here feeling like crap. I’ve got my side of the story regarding what went down at RedBud, yeah, but there’s no sense in telling it. The simple answer is I put myself into a situation that I shouldn’t have been in and because of that I’ve let a bunch of people down.

I’ve run into some problems away from the track that have affected my results and it’s become apparent that I’ve got to address them. I am taking action to deal with these issues and to make sure incidents like what happened this past weekend don’t occur again. I’m calling on people that have been there with me through thick and thin, relying on them to help me with my problems and get me on back on track as I’ve come to realize these are things I can’t handle myself.

Motocross is my life. I love the sport and don’t know where I’d be without it. And being a champion I’m constantly in the spotlight and my every move – good or bad – is discussed and debated online and in the press. It’s a lot to handle and, in all honesty, I’ve had a bad year dealing with it.

But that’s going to change. I am going to try to turn this into positive and use this opportunity to fix the things that are causing these problems in the first place.

Again, I’m extremely sorry for my actions. To guys like my agent, Scott Sepkovic, and to Scott Paul, who owns Yamaha of Troy. Also, to Chris McAvoy, my team manager, and Keith McCarty at Yamaha, plus my mom and all the guys at the AMA who’ve had to put up with my behavior, I’m sorry. Very, very sorry.

But most of all I want to apologize to my fans. If I’d have bought a ticket to see my favorite guy race at RedBud and he got kicked off the property for getting in a fight the day before I’d be mad as hell. So to all my fans and fans of motocross in general, I’m going to take the extra step to make sure we’re cool again. I promise to make amends to you guys because there’s nothing better than seeing you pumped up when I’m doing well – and still having my back when I’m not doing so well, like right now.

I’m not making any excuses. I screwed up good this past weekend and I’m prepared to do what it takes to get back where I was when I won the supercross title. I’m no angel and never will be. But what I will be is responsible for my actions, take the right measures to correct things and learn from my mistakes.

JLaw

[Freak]

That's too bad. I don't se them cutting him a break anytime soon. It's funny when you take something anyway from someone, they sober up the next day and say "I'll never do that again". Bottom line is he needs time to grow up. These guys get a huge ego and think they won't get their card pulled. Never really liked the kid that much, but I do hope he get's his actions in check and makes a return. He's got a gift on a bike.

[pjg351]

He must going to AA, ah well it's a long road back for him, if he really wants it.

[Dirtbikindad393]

He prolly hired a handler and PR person.

[DsBabyDoll]

Famous people don't speak for themselves?

[VAL]

Who among us hasn't wish a do over. Thanks for posting DBD.

[DRGSin393]

Def a PR guy that wrote most of that. As far as him getting an immediate 2nd chance-shouldnt happen. Let him wait it out a year or two. If he's committed, he'll work his tail off and remain in top form. If he isnt, he wont have it when he gets back...and therefore nothing lost. He got his 2nd chance a few weeks back when he acted up. Surely we need to expect more from kids his age, otherwise this is what happens...IMO

[the_privateer]

his ego really shines through in the 7th paragraph, is he really anyone's favorite?

he's had enough chances for both on and off track behavior

I say good riddance

[Freak]

I don't agree. From the way most of it is worded, it's him doing the writing. Just not savy enough for a hired gun.

[JDR215]

this is my opinion only, he should serve a suspension of say the rest of the outdoor series, then be allowed to race after that, with the ama giving him a strict group of guidelines that he must adhere to after that. If he messes up once(even during his suspension period), gone, see ya later.

let him prove he is a changed man, talk is cheap unless he can back it up.

just my thoughts,

[DRGSin393]

Originally Posted by Freak

I don't agree. From the way most of it is worded, it's him doing the writing. Just not savy enough for a hired gun.

You may be right but after hearing many of his after race interviews, other than "crap", Im thinking theres alot of big words that flow too well in his apology. If I was his agent, Id be making sure I was involved in EVERYTHING he said or did for a while now. That would mean his press releases first and foremost. I believe adversity can make/break a man. We'll see what he's made of in the next 2-3 years, assuming his punishment is harsh enough.

[Flash393]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

You may be right but after hearing many of his after race interviews, other than "crap", Im thinking theres alot of big words that flow too well in his apology. If I was his agent, Id be making sure I was involved in EVERYTHING he said or did for a while now. That would mean his press releases first and foremost. I believe adversity can make/break a man. We'll see what he's made of in the next 2-3 years, assuming his punishment is harsh enough.

I agree Doc this guy had some help with this "apology" you can see right through it. Also come on here this is not this guys first brush with trouble off the track, so I look at it this way. There are too many other good guys out there that are looking for a break and are not going to embarrass their sponsors,team mates and the sport. He had more than enough chances to clean up his act and didn't, so lets give someone else a shot in his place.

Like you said lets see what he is made of in 2-3 years and I hope that's what they tell him, see ya come back in 2-3 years and we might take a look at you.

My 2 cents.

[yz250guy]

Originally Posted by Dirtbikindad393

But what I will be is responsible for my actions, take the right measures to correct things and learn from my mistakes.

JLaw

I think in this case, taking responsibility for his actions means taking a break from the sport. At least one full year seems appropriate. Maybe even a gift. Talk is cheap, and I don't think he really understands what it would be like to work a regular job to pay the bills. His punishment needs to fit the crime, and it needs to be something that he will "feel". Not some slap on the wrist, or his behavior will never change.

His fight with RV at Hangtown....

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

In the video below, he states that ATCO MX Park is the only track in NJ that he is allowed to ride at....I'm surprised they let him talk in the video, he looks like an idiot

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[char393]

I agree wholeheartedly Ty.

[White Guy]

He's had too many chances already. Good Riddance J-Law!

Originally Posted by the_privateer

I say good riddance

[Freak]

Well, one thing is for sure...... He has no one to blame but himself.

[jr.]

I remember dreaming about racing Pro. Jason Lawrence doesn't deserve to be there. Speaking for those of us who had the dream but not the talent, I would NEVER have thrown it away by stupidity!

[LoKi]

I hope the kid does straighten out. Unfortunetly, he waited a little bit too long before he decided to change things. He's been all in his head for a long time. Hopefully he makes some good use of his time. He's going to have plenty of it, and needs to think about who & what he surrounds himself with.

[pjg351]

I'll bet a $100 he ends up down here doing Reed's super x series, starting in October. If he's allowed a passport

[yz250guy]

July 09, 2008


AMA Racing Suspends Motocross Rider Jason Lawrence
- press release -

PICKERINGTON, Ohio--The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today that it has suspended professional motocross rider Jason Lawrence for unacceptable behavior detrimental to the sport. According to AMA officials, Lawrence was arrested for disorderly conduct at Red Bud Track & Trail on July 4 while in Buchanan, Michigan, for round six of the AMA Toyota Motocross Series Presented by FMF. The incident follows a penalty and suspended fine issued in June for conduct detrimental to the sport at the Freestone County Raceway during round three of the series in Wortham, Texas.

"Mr. Lawrence is suspended indefinitely," said AMA Director of Motocross/Supercross/ATV Ryan Holliday. "In addition, the $25,000 fine that was issued after the June incident and suspended contingent upon the successful completion of a one-year probation will now be imposed." Holliday added that the AMA would not reconsider Lawrence's status until the conclusion of the 2008 season.

Lawrence was notified of the suspension at the race on July 5.