In May 1999, Hinton was involved in a controversy at "Sports Illustrated" with the Indy Racing League. Three spectators were fatally injured after a tire went into the grandstands during a race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The IRL deemed Hinton's and "SI"'s coverage of the accident insensitive and inappropriate, and revoked Hinton's credentials for the 1999 Indianapolis 500. In response, the "Chicago Tribune" and "The Detroit News" announced they were boycotting the race. A few days later, Hinton's credentials were restored, and he reportedly attended.