Unable to negotiate a contract with Fox Sports for his on air appearances during NASCAR broadcasts this season, Digger, the beloved NASCAR loving groundhog, found himself suddenly out of work for the 2010 NASCAR season.  Although Digger will not be employed or financially compensated by Fox, the network still owns the rights to Digger’s likeness and has announced that they will still use his image during their programming.

“Poof, just like that my whole life goes up in smoke,” said Digger.  “I can’t even earn a living.  I sold my soul away to Fox.  No one in NASCAR will hire me now because they would have to pay a royalty to dadgum Fox.  Does that sound right to you?  Darrell Waltrip said he loved me, told me he would always be there for me and take care of me.  Where are you now DW when I need you most?  He won’t answer my calls.”

 In a move of desperation and drunkenness, Digger turned to the only thing he has left, digging.  Unfortunately for the groundhog, digging is what landed him in jail.

 “We received reports of a problem on the track just about more than halfway through the running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday. When our officers responded we found a hole approximately 2 feet wide and 25 feet deep,” said NASCAR Chief of Security Jimbo Stuttgart.  “After an investigation, our officers arrested Mr. Digger approximately 2 hours after discovery of the crime scene and took him in for questioning.”

 Declining to have a lawyer present and acknowledging his understanding of his Miranda rights, Digger admitted his guilt to one felony count of malicious destruction of property and a misdemeanor count of public endangerment.

 Although Digger is relieved that no one was hurt by his act of vandalism, he is unapologetic about his actions and hopes that Fox Sports received the message.

 “They don’t want me around that’s fine, that’s their prerogative.  It’s their show and I can’t do anything about that,” said Digger.  “But they got what they deserved when DW had to fill 2 and a half hours of air time with nothing to talk about.  Sure would have been nice to show a Digger cartoon or two wouldn’t it boys?”

 Digger is currently being detained in the Volusia County Detention Center until trial.

 “I’ve lost everything.  My job, my girlfriend, my dignity and now my freedom,” said Digger in an interview from his jail cell.  “If they think this place can hold me they’re crazy.  I’m going to dig my way under that fence.  You just wait and see.  I’m coming for you DW!  I’M COMING FOR YOU!”