Call me what you will, but I think NASCAR driver Aaron Fike needs to be locked up and the key thrown away. Well that is if, he is taking heroin as police suspected when they arrested him on Saturday. Yes the 8th ranked Craftsman Truck Series, Red Horse Racing driver and the youngest USAC Silver Crown Series winner may be using heroin.

I understand that people are human. We all have frailties and some chose drugs to cope with various issues. But that is no excuse. Drugs are never an answer. That is a message that needs to be said loud and clear.

NASCAR is wildly popular, and growing. Fans run the gamut in age and incomes. The number of youths that find the sport and its drivers their sport is huge. If for no other reason drug addition should not be tolerated. Too many of our children want to be just like this driver or another and try to emulate them. Perhaps in no other sport are the stars so aware of their impact on kids than this one.

Given this knowledge, how can there be anything but a zero tolerance policy? Maybe Fike can come back, after he resolves the charges made by police, and rehab. Maybe he can be a symbol of redemption. But not until he earns it. There is too much at stake to not be harsh.

We are finally seeing a backlash in football, baseball and now wrestling when it comes to drug use. NASCAR and auto racing cannot fail to make a statement. I can’t imagine what could happen if they don’t. I don’t want to need to.

Do you think I am harsh? Do you agree? Let’s hear your opinion.