NASCAR suspends driver Noah Gragson for liking an insensitive meme with George Floyd’s face

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely by way of NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club because of liking an insensitive meme with a photograph of George Floyd’s face.

“I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media,” Gragson posted Saturday. “I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple.”

Josh Berry can be within the No. 42 Chevrolet in Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway to exchange Gragson.

Floyd, who was once Black, died in 2020 after a white police officer knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 mins. His demise sparked mass protests around the globe and compelled a countrywide depending on racial injustice.

In the wake of Floyd’s demise, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at occasions and venues after Bubba Wallace — its lone Black driver — stated there was once “no place” for it within the recreation. Earlier that 12 months, Cup collection driver Kyle Larson used a racial slur whilst taking part in a online game. Chip Ganassi Racing fired Larson and he was once suspended by way of NASCAR, which required him to finish a sensitivity coaching direction for reinstatement.

NASCAR stated Gragson violated the member habits of its rule ebook, with out offering main points.

“His actions do not represent the values of our team,” Legacy Motor Club stated in a remark.

The 25-year-old Gragson, who’s from Las Vegas, is in his first complete season within the Cup collection and is No. 33 in issues.

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