Jay Busbee
Yahoo Sports

Imagine for a second if it was Dale Earnhardt Jr. flying through the evening Atlanta air Sunday night instead of Brad Keselowski.

Imagine if it was a start-and-parker who sent Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson airborne with a deliberate tap to the bumper.

Still think we’d be talking about a three-race probation?

When NASCAR handed down its penalty for Edwards on Tuesday — three races of probation, the equivalent of being told “I’ll let you go this time, but next time, mister, next time … ” — reaction was immediate and split right down the middle. Some fans and media indicated they were satisfied with the punishment (particularly the media who made sure to pat themselves on the back at how right they were in guessing the sentencing). Others screamed that this was far too weak of a punishment for such a violent act of retaliation.

But those were the fans. Let’s look at some of the drivers’ reactions, via Twitter (all responses sic’d]:

• Robby Gordon: Just heard the news. I wonder what would of happened to me in that situation? Hmmm someone playing favorites? :)

• Kevin Harvick: huh! suprised by the penalty lack there of … i’m thinkging about asking for a refund for all of my penalties!!!!

• Kyle Busch (responding to Harvick): Me too! Let me kno how that goes. Lmao.

• Regan Smith: Gotta say I think NASCAR handled the situation the right way, glad 2 c they ackowledged the car getting airborne is the biggest issue

• Kyle Petty: For me I am deeply saddened by the decision that #NASCAR made on this issue. I love this Business,will always support it, but not this…

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For the first time since 2001, owner/driver Robby Gordon will not attempt a full Sprint Cup Series schedule, opting instead to diversify in several directions — including a possible Indianapolis 500 attempt, the X Games and a Monster Truck program.

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