Roger Penske's Message

As originally written for NHMS.com's Granite Stripe blog

Roger Penske delivered the message
that respect is a requirement. (Getty)

Roger Penske's message was clear and decisive.  It brought down the hammer on a long-time driver and set a moral standard that is far too often neglected in sports.

Kurt Busch had driven for Penske since 2006, and the former Sprint Cup champion made three Chases behind the wheel for Penske's team.  However, after Busch melted down late in the season and was fined by NASCAR for his antics, Penske made a move that made the most sense for his organization.

He parted ways with Kurt Busch.

To be fair, the decision stated that the two parties separated ways on mutual terms, but I have a hard time believing it wasn't something that was spearheaded by Penske's side.  Perhaps Busch was disgruntled and looking for a way out, but no matter what line of work you're in, you're probably not going to just up and quit without a contingency plan (as is Busch's case).