Jun 2, 2008

Max's Back Against Wall

Do you think the AAA, the largest auto-related association in the world, wants to go on record in support of an accused Nazi sympathizer who consorts with prostitutes? We don’t think so either, so it’s not hard to fathom why Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, was called upon to resign by the AAA and 21 other of the world’s auto clubs recently. The FIA is not only the sanctioning body for Formula One racing, among other racing series but also the federation of most of the world’s largest and most influential auto clubs. Tomorrow (June 3), the FIA is scheduled to rule on Mosley’s continued employment as president.

As we have reported in this space, Mosley was accused of engaging in a videotaped bondage-and-discipline-style orgy with prostitutes portraying prison guards “punishing” Mosley for his bad behavior. The British newspaper The News of the World broke the story and said the sexcapade was Nazi-inspired, harkening back to Mosley’s father, who had acknowledged Nazi ties. Mosley admitted to participating in the orgy -- a fact hard to deny in light of the video -- but he claimed it had nothing to do with Nazis.

Tomorrow, a rare meeting of the FIA’s general assembly will decide whether Mosley stays or goes. While admitting that 22 of the world’s auto clubs want to boot him from his post, he claims the majority of clubs are still on his side. The organization consists of auto clubs from 130 countries. Quite remarkably, Mosley also claims the lurid sex scandal has had no negative effect on his abilities to perform his functions as president of the organization.

At least the embattled executive has been able to maintain his sense of humor about the situation. He was recently quoted as saying, “Although I am personally embarrassed and greatly regret that this affair has become public, no one fails to call for roadside assistance because of it.”

Perhaps if he gets the news that he has been fired because of his bad behavior, the FIA general assembly can make him feel better by offering to whip him as well.

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