I've been following this thread as much as anybody else, and despite many various opinions on the matter, Beef above has done the best to actually describe the reality of Casey's decision. Its an unemotional description. And certainly not hating. Its the simply truth in how Casey described his plight and the decision to move on. Beef isn't saying any of the things here that others are framing it to defend. He is not saying he is mentally weak or a loser for retiring. That many here don't like his description doesn't make it any less accurate. I'm not sure how this can even be debated, as Casey's words are there for all of us to read and are very clear. Those trying to interpret them are usually the ones reminding us that Casey says what he means. And to leave no doubt, Casey himself said this in the announcement, that is, affirming again that he doesn't lie. And I believe him.
My first reaction to Casey's announcement was first disbelief and shock (yes he had already mentioned he was not long for the sport, but nobody thought it would be this soon, nor did anybody expect the announcement to be yesterday). The stoic faces of everybody in the room shows that even the most insiders while having been prepped by his statements in years past that he would leave the sport early, people didn't actually really think the day would come this quick. My second reaction was to feel like he was being weak, arrogant, and a head-case, thats only after I had read the comments, especially when I focused on the parts where he is disgruntled with the CRTs. Then after watching the actual announcement in the press conference video, I felt a complexity of thoughts ranging from agreement with some of his statements while some disagreement, to anger, to some nods and shakes of my head, to pity. Its this last feeling that today I'm thinking about; as Casey confronted the media and the spectators in general about the lack of respect shown to the sport (which took balls). I don't agree with everything he said, as its fair and par for the course for people to have their differing opinions, which are valid; notwithstanding, He is also sadly correct in saying that the general purview when discussed in circles of the sport has had an element of taint and negativity regarding his character and accomplishments. Its this that Casey cites, along with the rules changes, that has caused him to decide (in his words) to retire. I have already said, that I can't really agree with him on the issue of rules changes being cause for retirement, but I can relate to him being tired of all the .... slung at his accomplishments which it appears has (in his words) taken its toll. I've started to understand a bit better why he was so quick to lash out at people thinking eveybody had become his enemy. It seems he had become bitter (as he basically admits this). Its perhaps under this hardening of his heart that he lashed out at Nicky, as he perhaps lost his sense of distinction (which is understandable considering what might have been Casey's frame of mind). The truth is, we are not all cut out to be in the lime light. Who is really trained to handle the savvy media that are more interested in getting a controversial sound bite with an interviewee willing to put his foot in his mouth.
For today, knowing he will be gone from the series will have me watching his performance on the track more intently.
(Don't get all giddy Neoboppers, I still think you guys are the worst part about Casey, even though he had no part in creating you crazy people.)
