03.28.08 -- Jamie McMurray looked stressed while signing autographs during Speed Week in Daytona Beach.

Y'all, everybody join me in sending some love to Jamie McMurray. I previously noted how unhappy he looked when we got his autograph in Daytona -- and that was before the season started: A season that's seen him finish no better than 22nd. Because his Bristol finish left him only 36th in points, Jamie now joins the "go or go homers," who have to qualify their way in each week.

Thatsracin.com ran an AP story by Jenna Fryer that was almost painful to read, titled "McMurray in danger of derailing once promising career." Fryer talked about  "the self-loathing McMurray" who was "despondent" and "couldn't sleep" after his finish last season and "who has proven through five-plus seasons to be extremely sensitive to the highs and lows of his career."  "Until he gets his head back in the game, he doesn't stand a chance at saving his season."

I have to wonder if there aren't some code words in play here: "self-loathing"? "extremely sensitive"? These are things sometimes said about gays. Is the writer trying to say more than she's saying? I don't know, but it has to be agonizing for Jamie to see himself described as a dude on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Whatever inner demons are making Jamie so tormented, I hope he finds a way to tame them. You need to love what you do, and do what you love. Never forget the words of Auntie Mame: "Life's a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" As Grandmother DeVine used to tell me, "You go and make them know you are somebody." Good luck getting back up front, Jamie.