Driver Jody Jamieson has been handed a 15-day driving suspension in addition to a $500 fine following a positive test.
Jamieson's suspension runs from June 9 to 23, forcing a late driver change on Hes Watching in Saturday's $1 million Pepsi North America Cup from Jamieson to Tim Tetrick.
On Thursday, Jamieson issued the following statement to Trot Insider.
In my career as a driver there have been moments and instances that I would love to take back. None more than this moment in time right here. That said, this needs to be addressed and I appreciate the patience that my industry has had during this disappointing and trying time for myself and my family. I made an uncharacteristic, irrational, and serious error in judgment on a Saturday night after the races, off the premises of my work and it caused serious consequences to occur on a routine drug test on the following Monday. I immediately admitted to having used the substances approx. 2 days prior to the test. I have always believed that honesty and accepting responsibility is the best course of action. I know that under ORC rules, random testing is done at the racetrack, in safety sensitive areas, and that a ‘driver’ is in the most sensitive area of all.
After being notified of the positive test, I first called my parents. The disappointment in their voices was enough to bring me to tears. My father, who holds me above all others in our game, was understandably devastated. My mother, the patron saint she is, is embarrassed and I am sick to my stomach, knowing that I have brought this misery to both of them today. I feel like I have let down an entire industry of friends and acquaintances that have supported everything I have ever tried to do for this sport we love. I am sorry for that. My family will love me unconditionally, and although I have damaged professional bonds, I plan to put the time and effort into regaining the trust of my colleagues, and those who have counted on me.
I was asked and given the opportunity to drive the best three-year-old on the continent Saturday night at Mohawk along with some serious contenders in the undercard. I have let those people down. I am sorry.
In the meantime, I am visiting a substance abuse professional this afternoon, to continue the investigation into my irrational behavior on the night in question. I am willing and able to take part in any and all random drug tests on a go forward basis that the ORC deems necessary, as I have in the past. I presented myself yesterday at ‘Driver Check’ for a urine based drug test, and I would emphasize that it tested negative for any and all illicit drugs.
I totally support the drug and alcohol policies that both horsemen and the ORC have in place. I will work hard to earn back your respect and trust. Again, I want to accept responsibility and apologize for my actions.
Hold your head high everyone
Hold your head high everyone makes mistakes and for the most part they learn from them (the smart ones anyway) and I classify you as one of the smart ones. Take this as a learning curve and get back in the bike asap, don't let this bring you down. Best of luck.
I firmly echo your sentiments
I firmly echo your sentiments John Smith. I cannot comprehend why anyone would take the time to express their blatant jealousy of an (industry success story) and gloat on the misfortune of the author of that story when they go off stride. When (JJ) this individual shows up to drive at a “B” track event he brings in an additional 200 to 300 more spectators just because he’s there. That is nothing but good for the industry.
I’m confident he will return and create that magic again for us all to enjoy at which point we should leave this race alone, it’s over, results are final. That’s my wish and that’s my belief !!
Good for Jody to stand up
Good for Jody to stand up like a man and take the punishment. when I mean punishment I am pointing out when he described how his parents took the news. THAT is enough shame to deal with. Mr.Jamison I have been to Mohawk many many times over the years, and I always see you engaging the public, and especially the children. I remember you winning a race, and you went over to the kids at the rail and started asking them questions, and every time a child got the answer right you gave them a piece of your equipment. A glove, the whip, Goggles etc. Classy all the way. I am no saint and have made PLENTY of mistakes, so I hold no grudge towards, you and only wish you the very best for the future.
Marcello from Toronto
Love a comeback story
Love a comeback story especially when the blip is from a top performer. Heck, baseball players were living on drugs and they get into the Hall of Fame, some sports don't test at all and make millions of dollars and everyone thinks they are heroes. Our industry does more testing and has fewer who momentarily slip, and they sure don't make millions in a year. The industry will welcome you back Jody because you deserve it.
First I would like say thanks
First I would like say thanks Mr.Gilders,you certainly saved me the trouble
of saying pretty much the same thing about haters and nay sayers.
The penalty handed down is in no way a fair comparison to the work that
lies ahead for Jody.He´ll face this thing head on and be an even better
man for it.
It seems that these armchair critics quite often have mouth engaged
before brain in gear.
Remember that when you point a finger at someone,you have three more
pointed back at you.
Jody,,We all make mistakes be
Jody,,We all make mistakes be it at work or in life.I am trusting that you have learned from this,& will regain the trust & loyality that may have been lost thru this back with hard work & determination.I was greatfull to finally meet you at the Horsemans tourney,a upstanding gentleman you are,however not much of a centerman!!!You have admitted to it,,stood up,&are now moving forward!!Takes a good man to do that,,good luck Jody... Bruce "Beagle" Marshall
Meeting Jody for the first
Meeting Jody for the first time in the winner's circle and his interaction with the kids at Western Fair on Molson Pace night shows that he is a true ambassador of harness racing and his candid and outspoken views are refreshing in light of the political upheaval in harness racing, several brand him as a criminal, I see him coming back stronger.
Its admirable that Jody has
Its admirable that Jody has issued a statement regarding this situation and wants it known that he regrets what happened and wants to take responsibility for his actions. This however should not be taken,as most of the comments suggest as a bump in the road in Jameisons career. This is a very serious situation and has most definetly added to the lack of respect the sport garners from the public. Jameison has been referred to as a star in Ontario racing, a great ambassador of the sport, yet allows himself to be put in such a predicament. He now has the difficult task of earning back the trust and respect of his peers, family and an industry as a whole. He should be very thankful that repercussions of this situation in the eyes of the ORC will allow him to start the process quickly.
Another black spot on racing
Another black spot on racing and its twofold. The day Mr Jameison let his family,friends and the industry down by participating in putting illegal drugs in his body and second,the ORC's decision to only suspend Jameison for 15 days and fine him 500 dollars. A complete in justice all around. A 2 week vacation and a fine that is most likely less than what it cost him to get into this situation. Is it really a wonder why this sport has zero integrity.
My first comments are
My first comments are directed to all the haters in the industry. Hey you know who you are,I've been reading commentary on a few chat rooms and heard a few whispers. You see somebody successful and you've been plugging away for years with moderate success and that's why you can't stand those who are on top nothing they do in the sport is any good as far as your concerned. Then if they slip and get suspended or worse well it's like Christmas, New Years' and your 18th birthday all rolled into one. You relish the individual getting knocked down a peg or three with your own notion of " finally got what he/she deserves" .
Hey I've got news for you the state of your industry is to say the least tenuous and a talented individual like Jody Jamieson has been nothing but good for it. When you work as hard all of your life to achieve a high level of success I have nothing but admiration and respect for you in whatever field you have chosen. If you suffer a setback of any kind whether of your own making or not it's how you deal with it that shows what kind of character and inner strength you possess.
I have zero skin in the game any longer and am what you might call a casual fan but the little I know of Jody he has worked extremely hard to reach this point in his career and time and again he has always stepped up to help promote the sport, something sadly lacking by many others.
I think he's got what it takes to overcome any demons and be back to his winning ways and you know most sports fans I know love a comeback story. Harness racing participants do you?
In life we all make mistakes,
In life we all make mistakes, there are very few people that can look back and not wish that there were a few things in their life that they could have done differently.We all hit bumps in the road. Jody has handled his situation perfectly. He has stepped up to the plate and has accepted full responsibility. So many before him in similar situations would just deny, deny, deny. They would place the blame on faulty drug testing or point the finger of blame anywhere but at themselves. I give Jody all the credit in the world for how he has handled things so far. I don't know how anyone could read his statement and not wish him well. Good luck Jody.
Hey Jody hang in there.
Hey Jody hang in there. There´s an old saying that
goes like this.....that the outside of a horse is
good for the inside of a man. Family is very important
in times like these, but gravitate to the horses too.
It takes a strong man with character to stand up to this.
You´ll be fine.
Best wishes.
In reply to Hey Jody hang in there. by trot2pace
The outside of a horse is
The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. Couldn't agree more.
"Life is full of
"Life is full of experiences", often times good, sometimes great but then again sometimes where things just happen to go wrong for whatever the reason. Let's not kid ourselves, we've all been there, and we feel for you Jody. You have always been front and center, given to our industry and made yourself available but now take time for Jody and heal. Your statement speaks volumes, you are a professional in every sence of the word. You will rebound from this.......so looking forward to your return brother!!!!
Jody, Sorry to hear of lack
Jody,
Sorry to hear of lack of judgement but like all others have said mistakes??????? we all have made them. It would be nice to see that drugs were not such an epic problem everywhere and that all people could learn and benefit from your honesty in trying to correct yourself. Drugs will never be the answer, stand tall Jody!!!
We are all human Jody and we
We are all human Jody and we all make mistakes. I have probably made more mistakes than anyone in this business. From personal experience, when the smoke clears these mistakes make us better people if we learn from them. I don't want to say much on this sensitive issue but let this be a wake up call for everyone to think before they act. Stay Strong.. Your A Winner!
Stupid always has a price.
Stupid always has a price. But, many of us, have been there, done that, at one time, in one way, or another. Surprised/Shocked, yes, but, Jody, you stood up like a big boy. There is nobody better at what you do, and, that won't change. From far way, you have seemed to be a good, smart, and sensitive guy. If I had a top three year old, you would have been my driver, last year, this year, and in years to come. It's all good!
That statement took courage
That statement took courage and guts to follow through with! Jody you have the class and willpower to continue to be the best. Sometimes in life the little bumps in the road are huge factors in appreciating what you really have in your blessed career. Take Care and hope to see you at the track soon.
BenBar Stables
Jody As much as I am
Jody
As much as I am disappointed you wont be on He's Watching, I am glad that this hopefully will get you the help you feel you may need. I can speak for myself only, but I am sure many others will agree, with your statement today, you have shown that you are a stand up human being. Everyone has made poor choices, few own up to them. Looking forward to having you back in the bike soon...and hopefully on some of my horses ;)
You are now paying the price
You are now paying the price for a bad decision, but because of your ability and dedication to our industry, you will return greater than ever.
Good for you Jody. Those who
Good for you Jody. Those who learn from their mistakes are those who won't repeat them. Onward and upward my friend.
a very important man once
a very important man once said " let he who has not sinned cast the first stone". I'm sure you have learned and will grow from this bump in the road.
I just wish to say that this
I just wish to say that this was a very well written explanation and apology by
Mr. Jamieson.
Far too often in all aspects / careers in life (other sports and politicians to name two), the accused only denies, denies or blames others, pretending to be some sort of victim.
Jody stands up and takes it like a real pro! Thanks for that.
Fair comments by Mr Jamieson.
Fair comments by Mr Jamieson. Let Mr. Jamieson pay the price he must and hope that he can recover from a disastrous albeit self inflicted situation he now must face.
I , (DO) know where to start
I , (DO) know where to start ! So I will !
Jody, when I read your statement I was choked. For you to have penned it must have been unbearable. To come out in print with this news tells me great things of your character by taking immediate responsibility for a bad decision. You know how we all respect your parents, and we all know of course they’ll stand beside you as will I. Not to say Carl won’t take you down the end of the shed row, oh, oh !
You made a bad error in judgment as I and 99% reading this have at one time or another. You will now serve your penance as you must. But If any one comes to me to say what was he thinking ? Well I’ll look right back into their eyes and say, remember that time you ---- ----, what were you thinking ??
I think I speak for the majority by saying you ticked us off, but you really hurt Jody. We’ll get this ( 1 time ) behind us quickly as we should, and await the return of Double J.
Good Luck to you Jody. Jack
Good Luck to you Jody. Jack and I wish you all the best. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from it.
Nothing like humiliation to
Nothing like humiliation to bring a guy down when he's on top of the world.Its important though to not let it define you, or to hold you hostage. Most people under 60 have dabbled in drugs. Its been part of our culture since high school. Its a fact of life. Just move on, throw in a bit of self deprecating humour with it as you move forward "yeah, that was me, took a horseshoe to the head that night..." BUT dont let people try to bury you with guilt etc which can happen to good guys. You will pay the price now with your suspension etc. Anything more though and you can tell those people where to go. Time to stand tall, take no shit and let your racing speak for itself going forward.