But I’ve read in a handful of places that some people don’t appreciate Busch’s opinions.
And that kills me.

We, the media, like to complain about sports figures and how they relate to that famous line from Bull Durham. You know…

“You’re gonna have to learn your clichés. You’re gonna have to study them, you’re gonna have to know them. They’re your friends. Write this down: ‘We gotta play it one day at a time.’”

“Got to play ... it’s pretty boring.”

“’Course it’s boring, that’s the point. Write it down.”

So when someone has the guts to say what they really think, we should be happy for it. Busch doesn’t like the COT; he said so, in no uncertain terms. (Plus it has the added benefit of being anti-establishment, always a bit of a bonus for us.)

I wonder if the folks upset with Busch are confusing his image with his words. He’s got every appearance of being a brash punk with some of the things he’s done on and off the track.

So it may be easy to think that because he spouts off about the COT, it must be because he’s a punk. I’d say that’s not necessarily the case; it could be, but not necessarily.

Remember, he was diplomatic after the Busch series race at Vegas, even though he was spun out by Jeff Burton on the last lap.

Busch isn’t as brash as he used to be. Imagine his reaction if Burton’s spinout had happened even two years ago. He’d have gone nuts.

Both Busch and his brother, Kurt, have settled down over the past few years. Remember, Kurt was hardly a saint during his first few years (remember the throwdown with Jimmy Spencer?), but in the few occasions I’ve dealt with him, he’s been pleasant. So I can’t speak badly of Kurt.

Kyle is going down the same path. He’s going to speak his mind, and that’s OK — or at least it should be OK, particularly with all of us who depend on him saying something noteworthy.