WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Say this about Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- he follows doctors orders.After missing three straight Sprint Cup races because of lingering effects of a concussion, NASCARs most popular driver did something Friday thats part of his therapy -- he made his first public appearance to speak about his recovery.I missed my team, my teammates, Earnhardt said. I just wanted to come see everybody. I get to hang out with my guys a little bit. This has been so weird not to be at the track. Its frustrating, but its the process. Were just taking it one evaluation at a time.I just want to get better. Nothing else is a priority. Our intentions are to get cleared and get back to racing. Im not ready to quit.Doctors told Earnhardt his latest injury occurred June 12 at Michigan International Speedway. He was clipped in the rear by Chris Bueschers No. 34 while racing three wide with AJ Allmendinger and hit the wall at an angle that softened the impact. He drove three more races before symptoms became too severe.The doctors feel they can make my brain stronger to be able to cope with these common events, he said. The event that I had at Michigan I shouldnt have had a concussion from. I should be able to get through events like that without having any issues.Earnhardt has been keeping fans updated on his condition via weekly podcasts. Besides reconnecting with his team and his competitors in the garage, his appearance at the road course in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York served a purpose.My doctor wants to put me in situations that drive the symptoms, Earnhardt said. My doctor calls that exposure, and this is probably the worst situation as far as making my systems go haywire. Thats what he wants. Thats just part of the process.The one thing that I worry most about is ... people making assumptions of where Im at, what Im doing, and what Im up to. I dont want people making assumptions. To give me peace of mind and to bring down any type of stress and anxiety through the process is to open up and be honest about whats going on and how were doing.Earnhardt wont drive at Watkins Glen on Sunday and also will miss the race at Bristol on Aug. 20. Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon, who came out of retirement to fill in for Earnhardt the last two races, will remain behind the wheel in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.There remains no timetable for Earnhardts return. That decision will be left to his doctors. He underwent further evaluation Monday at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and said afterward that he continues to experience issues with balance and an ability to focus on an object while he moves his head.Earnhardt expressed frustration at how long hes been out.I never anticipated being out this long, he said. I didnt have this massive accident. The symptoms crept in slowly. I didnt think this was that serious. Its a challenge. I really believe and trust what theyre telling me. Theyre telling me without question were going to get back to normal.---Follow Kekis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Greek1947 http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Falcons-Austin-Hooper-Jersey/ . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Falcons-Jack-Crawford-Jersey/ . The head of USA Boxing came out swinging Tuesday with an open letter to Tyson -- a former Olympic hopeful himself -- that accuses the former heavyweight champion of trying to poach fighters who might be candidates for the U. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Hoodie/ . Klitschkos management company says the bout will be the Ukrainian fighters 25th world championship fight. The 1.83-meter (6-foot) Leapai defeated the previously unbeaten Denis Boytsov in November to become the WBOs mandatory challenger. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Falcons-Matt-Schaub-Jersey/ .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Falcons-Matt-Ryan-Jersey/ .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. SAN DIEGO -- San Diego left fielder Alex Dickerson left the Padres game against Cincinnati on Friday night in the first inning after colliding with centerfielder Travis Jankowski converging on Zack Cozarts triple.Dickerson left the field under his own power. It appeared he injured his right leg.ddddddddddddOn Wednesday, he became the first Padres rookie to homer in four straight games. Discount Jerseys NFL Jerseys Wholesale Cheap NFL T-shirts Cheap NFL Womens Jerseys Black China NFL Jerseys Disocunt Football Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Throwback Wholesale Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Wholesale NFL Womens Jerseys Cheap Stitched Jerseys Discount NFL Jerseys Black China NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Store Stitched Jerseys ' ' '