NASCAR: 3 race probation for Edwards

Prior to the season, NASCAR said it was putting the racing back in the hands of the racers. Competition Director Robin Pemberton was quoted saying, "It's in their hands now. Anything can happen" and "... we will say 'Boys, have at it and have a good time.'"

NASCAR boss Mike Helton said, "There's an age old saying that NASCAR, 'If you ain't rubbing, you ain't racing,'"

On Sunday in Atlanta, Carl Edwards intentionally rubbed / spun Brad Keselowski at 190+ mph, triggering a vicious crash could have easily turned tragic for Keselowski and/or some fans.

After the crash, Edwards let it be known that he felt obliged to take the action he did as a response to prior conflicts with Keselowski. He didn't use the word "payback" but he might as well have.

Today, in a move that is consistent with its move to let the racers police themselves, NASCAR announced that Edwards' penalty will be a three-race probation.

In the future, is the fact that payback at 190+ mph is apparently not frowned upon (given Edwards' slap on the wrist) going to make racers think twice before throwing the first stone? Would you be more careful about getting into Edwards (or anyone else) knowing they have free reign to get you back at the worst possible moment?