NASCAR driver Noah Gragson suspended for liking meme making fun of George Floyd's murder
NASCAR driver Noah Gragson was suspended by Legacy Motor Club indefinitely on Saturday for a controversial action on social media. He will be replaced in this weekend's Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway by Josh Berry.
"We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team," Legacy Motor Club said in a statement posted to social media.
Per Fox Sports, the suspension comes after it was discovered that Gragson, 25, liked a meme on social media that made fun of George Floyd's murder. Floyd's death in 2020 at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer sparked an international racial reckoning.
NASCAR also released a statement, noting that Gragson violated Section 4.4.D. of the NASCAR Rule Book, which speaks on driver conduct.
“NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Club’s decision to suspend Noah Gragson," the statement said. "Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has placed him under indefinite suspension.”
Gragson is currently 33rd in the Cup Series standings in his first full year. He took responsibility for his actions after hearing the news of the punishment.
"I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media," Gragson said on X, formerly Twitter while reposting Legacy Motor Club's statement. "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."
Berry's appearance Sunday in the No. 42 Legacy MC Chevrolet at the FireKeepers Casino 400 will be his ninth start of the season. The 32-year-old veteran has made eight starts in the Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports this year, filling in for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. He also races in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports.