NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely for liking a distasteful social media post making light of George Floyd's death.
An image circulated on social media showed Gragson had liked an Instagram meme, which drew immediate criticism.
Action was taken swiftly and his NASCAR team Legacy Motor Club stood the 25-year-old down from his driving duties.
READ MORE: Kerr's crunch call ahead of do-or-die Matildas clash
READ MORE: Surprise reason Matildas could be on verge of history
READ MORE: Spain makes World Cup history in five-goal romp
Floyd was killed after policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes, suffocating the 46-year-old who was arrested after allegations he made a purchase using counterfeit cash.
Floyd's death was the catalyst for the social movement Black Lives Matter, which was endorsed by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace Jr, the series' only full-time black driver in the Cup Series.
"We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team," a statement from Legacy Motor Club read.
"Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekend's NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan."
https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1687865058347618305Gragson, a rookie in this year's NASCAR Cup Series, offered something of an apology on social media and blamed inattentiveness for the faux pas.
"I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media," he wrote.
"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."
NASCAR supported the team's decision to suspend Gragson, who will be replaced by super sub Josh Berry.
Berry has already made a handful of Cup Series stars this season for Hendrick Motorsports in place of Chase Elliott, who suffered an injury while snowboarding.
He then replaced Alex Bowman who suffered a back injury in a crash competing in sprint cars.
The NASCAR Cup Series continues on Monday at Michigan International Speedway.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely for liking a distasteful social media post making light of George Floyd's death.
An image circulated on social media showed Gragson had liked an Instagram meme, which drew immediate criticism.
Action was taken swiftly and his NASCAR team Legacy Motor Club stood the 25-year-old down from his driving duties.
READ MORE: Kerr's crunch call ahead of do-or-die Matildas clash
READ MORE: Surprise reason Matildas could be on verge of history
READ MORE: Spain makes World Cup history in five-goal romp
Floyd was killed after policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes, suffocating the 46-year-old who was arrested after allegations he made a purchase using counterfeit cash.
Floyd's death was the catalyst for the social movement Black Lives Matter, which was endorsed by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace Jr, the series' only full-time black driver in the Cup Series.
"We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team," a statement from Legacy Motor Club read.
"Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekend's NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan."
https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1687865058347618305Gragson, a rookie in this year's NASCAR Cup Series, offered something of an apology on social media and blamed inattentiveness for the faux pas.
"I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media," he wrote.
"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."
NASCAR supported the team's decision to suspend Gragson, who will be replaced by super sub Josh Berry.
Berry has already made a handful of Cup Series stars this season for Hendrick Motorsports in place of Chase Elliott, who suffered an injury while snowboarding.
He then replaced Alex Bowman who suffered a back injury in a crash competing in sprint cars.
The NASCAR Cup Series continues on Monday at Michigan International Speedway.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
https://ift.tt/qox0PTH//
No comments:
Post a Comment