After it was reported that he “liked” a meme about George Floyd that can be considered insensitive due to the reference of the 2020 murder, NASCAR driver Noah Gragson was quickly hit with an “under indefinite suspension.”
Legacy Motor Club issued a statement Saturday regarding the suspension, saying the actions of Gragson “do not represent the values of our team.” Josh Berry replaced Gragson and drive the No. 42 car at the Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, which was suspended Sunday due to rain.
“NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Club’s decision to suspend Noah Gragson,” the organization tweeted Saturday. “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.”
NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Club’s decision to suspend Noah Gragson. 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.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 5, 2023
TMZ first reported over the weekend that Gragson liked a George Floyd-related meme on Instagram. Floyd was killed in 2020 after a police officer named Derek Chauvin held his knee to Floyd’s neck for around nine minutes.
Gragson, 25, apparently liked an image that showed Sebastian the Crab (from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”) with Floyd’s face photoshopped on top alongside text that read, “Under Da Knee, Under Da Knee.”
“I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media,” Gragson tweeted Saturday. “I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone.” (RELATED: Logan Paul Gets Into Fight With Fan At Jake Paul’s Boxing Match After Winning Bout At WWE SummerSlam)
“I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are,” added Gragson. “I messed up plain and simple.”