Driver Noah Gragson has been suspended on Saturday indefinitely by NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club for liking an insensitive meme with a picture of George Floyd’s face. He will be replaced in this weekend’s Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway by Josh Berry.
Legacy Motor Club stating the reason for suspending Noah said: “We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team. Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan”.
According to Fox Sports, Gragson’s suspension was triggered by his liking of the controversial meme that made light of George Floyd’s 2020 murder, a deeply divisive incident that sparked global conversations on racial issues.
NASCAR also weighed in on the matter, pointing out that Gragson’s conduct violated Section 4.4.D. of the NASCAR Rule Book, which addresses driver behavior.
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LegacyMotorclub) August 5, 2023
NASCAR also fully supports the decision taken by Legacy Motor Club to suspend Noah Gragson. NASCAR said, “Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson will not compete in the 2023 NASCAR race.” Violated the member’s conduct section of the rule book and suspended him indefinitely.
In reply to what Noah Gragson has said: “I’m disappointed in myself for my lack of attention to social media and lack of actions,” Gragson posted Saturday. “I understand the gravity of the situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally, no matter who they are. I just messed up”.
Noah Gragson hit the like button on Instagram for a meme that was offensive because it featured Floyd’s face. In which it is written, “Under da knee, under da knee”.
George Floyd was a Black man who tragically died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest.
The incident was captured on video and widely shared, sparking protests against police brutality and racial injustice across the United States and around the world. George Floyd’s death became a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, drawing attention to systemic racism and the need for police reform.
Derek Chauvin was subsequently charged and found guilty of murder and manslaughter in April 2021. The case had a significant impact on discussions about police accountability and social justice.
Replacing Gragson, Josh Berry, an experienced 32-year-old driver, will take the wheel of the No. 42 Legacy MC Chevrolet at the FireKeepers Casino 400 event.
FAQs
Why was NASCAR driver Noah Gragson suspended?
Noah Gragson was suspended by Legacy Motor Club for liking a social media meme that mocked George Floyd’s murder, violating NASCAR’s conduct rules.
Who will replace Noah Gragson in the upcoming Cup Series race?
Josh Berry will replace Noah Gragson at the Michigan International Speedway for the Cup Series race, driving the No. 42 Legacy MC Chevrolet car.
