SeeperSports

On the cover of ESPN's latest magazine issue, you'll find the winner of NASCAR's recent race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. (track pictured) The caption refers to Tony Stewart as an "ex-bad boy".

I met him recently at an autograph session in the Binghamton area. He was very gracious toward his fans. They didn't get much time with him, because 700 people were waiting. But, the encounters were all pleasant.

I don't always put a lot of stock into a player's persona on the field. He may act like a jerk in the heat of battle, but it's just part of the game. When the contest is over, the real good guy comes out. That appears to hold true for Stewart. I use the word appears because I don't know him personally. However, some players really are asses both on and off the field.