Once Dallas' name was released, speculation gave way to camps of fans deciding guilt or innocence with the majority siding with Dallas once his 18-minute video statement started circulating. Soon after, mushers chimed in with their thoughts on the matter. The vast majority were supportive of Dallas, saying that the Dallas Seavey they know and compete against know there was not logical reason for him to drug his dogs (especially with a sedative).
Last night three former Iditarod Champions spoke their support on facebook, plus more retired mushers as well as Dallas's current competition. By morning more followed suit with Aliy Zirkle sending an email statement to KTUU saying how she's raced Dallas for 10 years and knows that he did not drug his dogs. Jessie Royer also talked with KTUU saying very much the same thing.
One of the most telling showings of support is Lance Mackey's statement on his facebook page last night.
We all remember when Lance Mackey had his melt down a few Iditarods ago where he was asked who he hoped would win and he had some not so flattering things to say about the one musher he hoped WOULDN'T win (Dallas). Doesn't sound like much has changed, but if even Lance is smelling something rotten it's time to pay attention.
Jeff King also risked breaking the Iditarod's gag rule by speaking out in favor of the younger Seavey.
More statements of support are pouring out. This battle is far from over. Dallas has basically declared war on the current ITC calling for resignations for all members except the one voted in by the mushers themselves (ITC Board Rep, Wade Marrs). Dallas has also suggested mushers withdraw from the Iditarod until the ITC board changes. Until about a half hour ago, no one had joined him in boycotting, but Laura Neese - part of Nature's Kennel - has now followed suit, though not citing Dallas's call to action as the reason.
Iditarod's finally acknowledged Dallas' withdrawl from the race.
Buckle up, friends, it's about to get good.
A very clear update on an upsetting situation for everyone. I believe Dallas and hope his name is cleared. I also hope the ITC learns from this and becomes a better organization.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt sabotage or a mistake by officials caused all of this. Dallas doesn't just give anything to his dogs. He'd know if he had Tramadol at his disposal, and a quick investigation to see if he had a prescription or anyone in his team had one to figure out if he had it available. ITC doesn't seem interested to challenge the idea that he didn't do it, so I smell a cover up, but it wasn't for Dallas's benefit!
Deletewho would intentionally dope their dogs ? i dont believe he did it. must be sabotage.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any of the mushers who care for their dogs (which most do) who would intentionally dope their dogs. And I can't think of any top musher giving essentially a sedative to their dogs in the final leg of the race, especially since in Dallas's case he was racing Nic Petit nearly neck and neck from White Mountain to Nome. I was there when they came in, dogs were perky not lethargic!
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