NASCAR driver Noah Gragson poses for a photo.Photo:Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
NASCARdriver Noah Gragson is now “under indefinite suspension” shortly after it was reported that he liked an insensitive meme aboutGeorge Floyd’s 2020 murder.
On Saturday,Legacy Motor Club released a statementabout the suspension, noting that Gragson’s actions “do not represent the values of our team.” Josh Berry instead drove the No. 42 car for this weekend’s Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.
The image Gragson, 25, apparently liked on Instagram showed a live-action version of Sebastian the crab from Disney’sThe Little Mermaid, with a photo of Floyd’s face photoshopped on top of him, featuring the text “Under Da Knee, Under Da Knee.”
“I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media,” Gragson wrote on Twitter Saturday. “I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone.”
“I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are,” he added. “I messed up plain and simple.”
NASCAR driver Noah Gragson poses for a photo.Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
AsNBC Sportsnoted, Section 4.3.E in the Cup Rule Book states that NASCAR members “shall not make or cause to be made a public statement and/or communication that criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.”
The outlet also cited Section 4.4.D, which states that “statement and/or communication made public (including social media platforms) that demeans, criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition” could result in a fine or indefinite suspension.
Gragson is in his first full season in the Cup Series and is 33rd in the Cup Series standings, perESPN.
source: people.com
