Words. They can hurt. Especially when those words are rumors spread by peers, and even an entire industry. Just ask Phil Parsons.

Two years after winning his first Winston Cup race, Parsons found himself on the outside of the sport looking in. And a rumor had a lot to do with it.

During the off-season between the 1989 and 1990 seasons, Parsons had cataract surgery on his left eye, and the rumors began.

Word began to spread. “Phil Parsons has issues with his eye sight,” or “Parsons has serious issues,” and “Parsons is all but blind.”

Phil Parsons alongside host Rick Houston dive into the rumor mill that took the sport by storm, one so strong, it had lasting impacts on his career.