Also Just To Be Clear (and Sorry I Swear After That I’ll Shut Up) Saying “but Mick Doohan Said This”

Also just to be clear (and sorry I swear after that I’ll shut up) saying “but Mick Doohan said this” or “but Jack did that” isn’t a defense, it’s deflection.

If you truly don’t support the harassment or racism that’s been happening, then stop trying to justify it by pointing fingers elsewhere.

No, Jack isn’t responsible for what his dad said. And no, smiling after a crash doesn’t mean someone deserves to be harassed. Context matters : Liam Lawson literally explained that every time there’s a crash, cameramen rush in for reactions, and it’s hard not to laugh at the absurdity of it. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Jack was mocking Franco.

Jack also corrected himself after initially thinking the hateful post came from Argentinian fans. Considering the amount of harassment he’s received, can you really blame him for making that assumption in the moment?

And let’s be clear about something else: Criticism isn’t xenophobia. People calling out toxic behavior from some Argentinian fans — whether it’s the current abuse toward Jack and Yuki, or the past harassment in IndyCar around Canapino, or more repeated instances in other sports — doesn’t mean they’re attacking an entire country or culture. Criticism ≠ xenophobia, especially when that criticism is based on real, harmful behavior.

You can be a fan of Franco and still acknowledge this isn’t okay. You can stand up for your country without excusing harassment or trying to shift the blame onto others to minimize what’s happening.

Saying “I don’t condone the abuse, but…” and then excusing it is the problem. Own your stance.