BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — NASCAR and the Legacy Motor Club have suspended driver Noah Gragson indefinitely for liking an insensitive George Floyd meme.
“I am disappointed in my lack of care and social media actions,” Gragson posted Saturday. “I understand the gravity of the situation. I love and appreciate you all. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I screwed it up, simple as that.”
Floyd, who is black, passed away in 2020 after a police officer knelt on his neck for nine and a half minutes. His death sparked a series of mass protests around the world and forced the United States to acknowledge racial injustice.
Josh Berry will drive the number 42 Chevrolet in his Cup debut in Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway in place of Gragson.
NASCAR indicated that Gragson violated the conduct of members of the rule book, but without elaborating.
"His actions do not represent the values of the team," Legacy Motor Club said in a statement.
Gragson, 25, of Las Vegas, is contesting his first full season in the Series Cup and sits 33rd in the points standings.