Al Unser Jr. is known to me for two things: Winning the Indy 500 twice, and getting well-oiled on occasion and earning DUIs. Now, make that three things.
Unser Jr. was allegedly the victim of an extortion plot, according to the Albuquerque, N.M. district attorney's office. In a 137-count indictment against a guy named Bobby McMullin — internet escort service proprietor, downtown strip club owner and all-around swell guy — prosecutors say that Unser Jr. was being blackmailed with claims of a "compromising" video tape that showed the racer with a prostitute.
Unser is mentioned in counts 72 and 73 of the indictment. The DA's office said McMullin told Unser he had video of the racing legend in a "compromising position." McMullin allegedly asked Unser for $750,000, or he would release the tape to the public.
How exactly was McMullin going to release the tape? YouTube? Regis & Kelly? Deadspin tips? The answer is unclear. What is clear: Unser Jr. is one hard-drivin', hard-drinkin', hard-lovin' son-of-a-gun. Perhaps he should reel things in now that he's in his mid-forties? Let's get it under control, Little Al. Even Gunnar knows when to put on his leg brace*.
* = Will be explained in the comments.
D.A.: Al Unser Victim Of Blackmail Scheme [KOB.com]
Indy Winner Al Unser Jr. Listed As Extortion Victim [Albuquerque Journal]