Denny Hamlin left Pocono with a lot more haters than he already had. He often is vocal about his opinions—popular or not. Moreover, following Sunday’s Cup race at the Pocono Raceway, his incident with Kyle Larson has left a bitter aftertaste, and his post-race comments haven’t been sweetening at all.

Excerpts from his post-race press conference show that Hamlin has given out some contradicting statements despite being the catalyst in the accident.

Owing to this, several dedicated Hamlin fans have found it difficult to defend the 42-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver. Many people have even called him a narcissist and accused him of choosing to play the victim every time he is involved in such mishaps.

Denny Hamlin says things would be the same if roles were reversed

Prominent NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck was one of the many media personnel at the conference. Disclosing some of the notable phrases from Hamlin’s interaction, he tweeted,

“Some of Denny Hamlin in the media center: — “I’m not here to defend anything.” — “I left him more than a lane off Turn 2.” — “I guarantee you if the roles were reversed, it would be the same way.” — “I’ve been on the shit end of so many of these results.”

The #11 Camry driver was aware of the criticism that he would be receiving. He showed no remorse about it as he explained that being under scrutiny is one of the aspects of this demanding profession. Sometimes questionable decisions have to be made in order to protect your position on the track is what Denny tries to imply through his statements. But his claim about allowing Larson space to hold his ground coming off turn 2 was one of the more conflicting sentences, as images from the wreck show that it was Hamlin who bumped into the inside of the #5 Camaro.

Hamlin also added that he has been on the other end of wrecks several times in the past. Hamlin has found himself amid such controversy quite regularly this season. He also explained that had he been in Larson’s place, the events that followed would have been the same. However looking at the backlash he has received from the community, Hamlin might as well be NASCAR’s latest villain.

Read More: “Same Move [Kyle Larson] Made to Bubba [Wallace]”: Denny Hamlin Defends His Controversial Move Against the HMS Star

“Things a narcissist would say”: NASCAR fandom denounces Hamlin

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“Denny used to be my favorite, but damn he’s such a narcissist it makes it hard to like him,” replied a fan informing about his change in feelings about the Pocono winner. Many fans were of the opinion that if someone considers his history of such wrecks, he has tried to be on the right side of it every time. Demanding accountability for his actions, many of his fans have gradually started turning against him. His comment that “fandom doesn’t give him trophies” hasn’t helped his case either.

“Narcissists and sociopaths can’t ever admit fault personally. I’m no medical expert so I ain’t gonna diagnose him but goddamn he’s showing some of the signs,” commented another follower of the sport suggesting medical help for the aging star.

“Hamlin is definitely a narcissist. I’ll definitely be taking a break from his podcast. I really don’t care to hear how he’s the victim“;“I don’t think narcissists can admit that type of thing” were some of the other comments bashing Hamlin for his actions.

One fan on Reddit gave out an elongated description of his journey being a Denny fan. As one goes further down the comment, it gradually unfolds into criticism for the excuses Hamlin has dished out so far.

“Ive been a Denny fan for almost 18 years. The man won the first race I ever attended….But the crap he’s pulled these last few years have really tested my support of him and todays not making it any better. Im honestly tired of this sh**. Sorry, Im done complaining. Die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Except in Dennys case he thinks he’s the hero when in reality he’s just as guilty of racing without respect as everyone else he calls out on his podcast.”

Denny might have triggered the wrong switch for the community in this case.

Watch This Story: Denny Hamlin Warns Bubba Wallace To Watch Out Amid Creeping Playoff Desperation