Executive Calls Griese Comment 'Unfortunate'

By Bob Pockrass
SceneDaily.com

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Earnhardt Ganassi Racing President Steve Lauletta said it was “unfortunate” that ESPN college football commentator Bob Griese’s comment on the air Saturday that EGR driver Juan Pablo Montoya was “out having a taco.”

Griese later apologized for the comment he made about the Colombian driver during the Ohio State-Minnesota college football game Saturday. During the telecast, ESPN did a promo for the Sprint Cup race Sunday on ABC. The promo mentioned the top five drivers, prompting announcer Chris Spielman to ask where Montoya was in the standings. Griese, an NFL hall of famer, responded that the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing driver “was out having a taco.”

Griese apologized later in the telecast and then again on ESPN later that night.

"It’s unfortunate that he would make such a comment,” Lauletta said. “Obviously he has apologized. I haven’t talked to Juan about his feelings about it."

An EGR spokesman said Montoya would not comment on it before the race today and the issue was not expected to be addressed during the race telecast Sunday on ABC.

Lauletta said Montoya has been accepted by NASCAR fans since coming to the sport three years ago and he was unaware of any similar incidents or comments.

On Saturday, ESPN released a statement that Griese "understands that his comment was uncalled for."

During halftime of the Florida-Mississippi State game Saturday night on ESPN, Griese, on the phone, read a statement:

"Earlier today on our game, I made an offensive comment regarding Juan Pablo Montoya as part of a NASCAR promo," Griese said. "It was regrettable and I should not have said it. I really enjoy NASCAR, and I follow it closely, and would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Juan, NASCAR and everyone else who heard my comment."

Bob Pockrass is a staff writer at NASCAR Scene. For more racing news, visit SceneDaily.com.
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