Quoted and highlighted for posterity
You can no longer claim that he could not handle the pressure as you here (as per quote) say he could ................. who cares if it is a typo it is in print now
Was Stoner to blame - well yes as he retired thus he has to accept that his decision caused his retirement.
Was he justified, well that is the discussion point that seems to cause the angst as yes in some aspects he certainly was and remains justified (else why would rule changes have been applied that backed his complaints), but no doubt also that some of his issues were his perception and as such containing his bias (real or perceived).
Let us not overlook last year and again that this year there have been mutterings that DORNA and Race Direction are only interested in one aspect/rider with all others being bit parts to the party (my words as a paraphrase), so in essence he may be justified there a bit as well.
As for media scrutiny this is where I have an issue as media is there to cover the sport certainly, and as such they should be relatively unbiased and displaying an open mind at all times as this is often how they gain the trust of the athlete and subsequently how they may get that scoop. In this aspect Stoner was little different as he had some journalists with whom he could converse and some whom he simply did not trust based on experience of his being asked a question, then answering and the end result seemingly not that which he intended from his response (be that editing, translation or deliberate misleading, all of which occur).
With regards to hanging around if DORNA were so bad, well unless you missed it, he retired and left the sport ............... which to me shows that he did actually do as you ask, he was unhappy so left. Or are the goalposts to be moved again?
As for DORNA I find it interesting that people complain of Stoner having issue when often those same people have their own issue with DORNA, be that their focus, presentation or any aspect.
Actually not everything you have said has been proven by his actions and nor is he a hypocrite as he had stated that he was no longer enjoying himself in the sport and thus would leave it and to date has not returned full time - hardly hypocritical (keep in mind that others have stated no more cigarette sponsorship and have returned etc).
Most if not all athletes are in some way hypocritical as often that which they take umbrage of when done to them, they will happily do to others to benefit themselves, which in many ways is part of the selfish culture they need.
