Noah Gragson Suspended from NASCAR Over Insensitive Meme

Over the last two decades, millions of memes have circulated the internet space. From the all-known “Doge” to memes involving politicians and public figures, everyone has seen the funny edited online pictures. But as memes grew in popularity, insensitive, racial and insulting memes have also emerged. Now, a like on social media of an insensitive meme has resulted in the suspension of a professional NASCAR driver.

Over the weekend, NASCAR confirmed that Noah Gragson, the famous 25-year-old professional driver for NASCAR’s top league, the Cup Series, has been suspended indefinitely. News about the sanction emerged Saturday and come after Gragson reportedly liked an insensitive racial meme related to George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, back in 2020. The murder of Floyd, who was Black, resulted in statewide protests against racial injustice.

A statement released by NASCAR via Twitter revealed that the organization supported the decision of Legacy Motor Club to suspend Gragson. NASCAR acknowledged that the driver’s actions on social media breached the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book. This resulted in the indefinite suspension of Gragson.

“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,“

reads a statement released by NASCAR

The Famous Driver Admits He Is Disappointed in Himself

Legacy Motor Club said on August 5, 2023, that Gragson’s suspension is effective immediately. The Club added that the driver’s actions did not represent the values of the team. Additionally, Legacy Motor Club pointed out that Gragson was replaced with Josh Berry for last weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race taking place in Michigan.

“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,“

reads a statement released by Noah Gragson

Gragson released a statement saying that he is “disappointed” in himself for the “lack of attention and actions on social media.” The suspended NASCAR driver said that he understands how severe the situation is and added that he appreciates and loves everyone. Finally, Gragson admitted that he made a mistake.