NASCAR Driver Suspended Over George Floyd Meme

Driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club after liking an insensitive meme with a photo of George Floyd's face, per the AP. "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 will be in the No. 42 Chevrolet in Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway to replace Gragson.

NASCAR said Gragson violated the member conduct of its rule book, without providing details. CNN reports the meme was mocking of Floyd, and TMZ has an image of it. "His actions do not represent the values of our team," Legacy Motor Club said in a statement. The 25-year-old Gragson, who is from Las Vegas, is in his first full season in the Cup series and is No. 33 in points. Floyd, who was Black, died in 2020 after a white police officer knelt on his neck. His death sparked mass protests around the world and forced a national reckoning on racial injustice. In the wake of Floyd's death, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and venues after Bubba Wallace—its lone Black driver—said there was "no place" for it in the sport.

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