PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOPPENWORLD.COM
Former Pro motocrosser Jeff Alessi posted an apology to his brother, Mike, on VitalMX’s forum last night for his actions with a laser pen at the Washougal Motocross National this past weekend that has led to various fines and suspensions for him and his father Tony – the MotoConcepts team manager.
Here is the full text of what Jeff Alessi posted…
I’m here to inform all of you that I am responsible for the incident that happened this weekend at Washougal national. As many of you know a green laser went across Ryan Villopoto and Malcolm Stewart before the start of the first moto. I was the person who did that and I would like to say to those two riders that I am very sorry for causing any distraction to them before the start of the race. I had no intent to harm either rider or affect their results.
I would also like to extend my sincere apologies to Steve Matthes who had to hear the wrath of my father who was defending me with the thought that I was innocent because I told him a story to make him think I wasn’t guilty, and also for saying what I said to him during the confrontation.
To my brother, my father, and Mike Genova, words cannot describe the pain and shame I have to live with right now knowing the problems I caused for all of you and the rest of the team. I know how hard you work Mike800, and how you’ve made your one goal to stay out of drama and just race and try to show the masses that you are a great rider that loves racing.
When I sit here and think about what I did and what it caused I feel like I ruined EVERYTHING you spent the last 5 years building on, and I am so sorry brother because you don’t deserve any of this.
To my dad, thanks for standing up for me and showing me you would take that bullet for me. I shouldn’t have told you a story when you looked at me and asked what I did. I should’ve just told you the truth but I couldn’t because I was terrified and scared and what came out instead was little and low and you still believed me because that’s what you do when your kids say something. I was so dumb.
Mike Genova, what can I say other than you tried getting me back on track here and wanted me to make a difference and I didn’t make any difference except cost you a lot of people’s respect they had started having for you. You’re like my second father, and just like my dad I lied to you too, and you defended me against it all and I’m here to finally give up my story and come clean and tell you I was standing in the grass with a $12 dollar laser acting like a five-year-old, doing childish pranks and it all came down on your team and my brother. I’m really sorry, Mike. I thought I had changed and I made an effort prior to that mistake to do nothing wrong all week and try to help but I stopped thinking and I’m truly sorry.
My last apology I will end with is to the man who did his job and found me when I was doing something wrong, Davey Coombs. I am so sorry I had to put you in that situation that you had to spend important time looking for who was causing the big problem. I know how disappointed you were when you found out I was the one with the device and you had to do what you did, but I also want you to know I never thought you were rough with me, you were just doing your job.
To everyone else, the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, JGR, the Stewart family; MotoConcept team members Vince Freise, James, Dave Dye, Daniel Castloo, Shauna Genova and Sandy Genova; I’m sorry for the outcome of this, it was never my intentions and I will work hard to learn from all of this and return to a professional human that uses his brain before making actions.
To the motorcycle community, I hope this does not reflect who I am because I’m not the person it looks like I am right now and I will try and prove that in the future.
Jeff Alessi
MotoConcepts team owner Mike Genova also issued a statement regarding the incident at Washougal.
“I am saddened and disappointed by the conduct of Jeff Alessi at the Washougal race this past weekend. Through thorough investigation, MX Sports was able to conclude that Jeff Alessi is guilty of the allegations brought against him regarding possession and use of a laser pen during the parade lap and prior to the start of the first 450 moto. While Jeff is not an employee of, or contracted with MCR in any way, his actions became a direct reflection on the team. As owner of MCR, I offer my sincere condolences to Malcolm Stewart and Ryan Villopoto for Jeff’s unethical and unacceptable actions all while wearing an MCR shirt. Though Mike Alessi, Tony Alessi nor myself were involved with, or had any knowledge of Jeff’s planned use of the laser pen or his intentions, as a team we offer our deepest regrets and apologies to all those tied to this incident.
“Regarding Tony Alessi’s conduct this weekend, MCR is responsible for his actions while representing the team. I do not support or condone Tony’s behavior or words and I take full responsibility and ownership of the situation. Internal penalties have been imposed by MCR resulting in Tony’s suspension for the remainder of the outdoor motocross series in conjunction with the suspension from MX Sports. While I am upset and unhappy with Tony’s conduct, I believe Tony and company to be good people who made poor choices.
“In effort to continue supporting MX Sports, MCR sponsors and fans, MCR will fulfill its commitment to attend all of the remaining 2013 motocross races. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment I will not be attending this weekend’s Spring Creek National in Millville, MN.
“We hope Mike Alessi and MCR fans will continue to support the team in the future.”
Thank you
Mike Genova
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