Dustin Skinner apologizes after wishing he tied noose to NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace

Skinner previously stated he wished he tied the noose to Bubba Wallace and that he drug him around the pits for ‘destroying NASCAR’

Dustin Skinner: “I know it’s not what you guys want to hear. But, my hat is off to who put the noose at his car.”

Read the full comment and the later apology from Skinner below.

Dustin Skinner is the son of former NASCAR driver Mike Skinner. Dustin has run one NASCAR race in his career but hasn’t raced since 2008. He’s now a crew chief in another racing series.

NASCAR is coming off a drama filled couple of weeks. Bubba Wallace encouraged the sport to make progressive changes. Of those, Wallace requested the sport ban the Confederate flag.

Related: Wallace comments on kneeling and the Confederate flag at NASCAR races

Days later, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from all events and properties. They also removed a rule that required NASCAR members to stand during the National Anthem, which opened the door for kneeling protests.

Nooses and planes

A series of dramatic headlines followed…

Two weeks ago, a noose was found in a tree at Sonoma Raceway. It was hung from a tree on the property.

The following day, a Confederate flag was pulled by plane with the message ‘Defund NASCAR’ over Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Later that day, the team of the NASCAR Cup Series’ only African-America driver spotted what they thought was a noose in their garage stall.

Related: A noose was also hung at Sonoma Raceway

Related: Plane pulls Confederate flag over Talladega Superspeedway ahead of NASCAR race (VIDEO)

The rope was reported to NASCAR. The sport then called the FBI and they brought 15 agents in to investigate a possible hate crime against the driver.

It was determined there was no crime. The noose in garage stall no. 4 was there since at least October 2019 and was in no way targeted at Bubba Wallace.

The rope was tied as a garage pull. NASCAR later released an image from the investigation (shown below).

Related: FBI concludes noose investigation from Talladega NASCAR race; It’s been there since October 2019

Soon after, the fanbase jumped on Bubba Wallace, claiming hoax. But, there’s been other wild comments as well…

Noose in garage stall of Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway
Noose in garage stall of Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway

Dustin Skinner said he wish he tied noose to Bubba Wallace

On the same day that the FBI declared the noose wasn’t a hate crime, Dustin Skinner commented via social media:

“I grew up watching NASCAR in my living room before my dad ever made it to NASCAR. We were Dale Earnhardt fans. Then, my dad become Dale’s team mate,” Dustin Skinner opened.

“I know it’s not what you guys want to hear. But, my hat is off to who put the noose at his car.”

“Frankly, I wish they would’ve tied it to him and drug him around the pits because he has single handedly destroyed what I grew up watching and cared about for 30 years now.”

“I will not watch this sport anymore and that’s sad… go NASCAR [thumbs up emoji]. I hope the scumbag piece of shit was worth what has been started…”

The comment above was sent via a comment to a different Facebook post.

Related: NC dirt track lists ‘Bubba rope’ for sale mocking NASCAR’s noose; Track dropped by series and sponsors

Mike Skinner
Angie Skinner and Mike Skinner
Mike Skinner issues statement

Shortly after the comment began to go viral. Mike Skinner, Dustin’s father issued a statement:

“We were shocked by a comment that surfaced on social media earlier today that was made by my 35-year-old adult son, Dustin Skinner via his personal social media account,” Mike Skinner opened.

“His comments were in direct opposition to the values we worked to instill to respect, value and accept all people, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. I am devastated by what we said and have spoken with him regarding his comments.”

“While I do not believe in airing family grievances on social media, I feel strongly that it is important that I publicly state that his comments do not reflect the opinions of Angie or me, and we apologize to any fans and industry personnel we were hurt because of his comments.”

“I would personally like to thank all of those in the industry that have personally reached out to Angie and me this evening. These people know our hearts and have seen our true beliefs expressed through our actions,” Mike Skinner concluded.

Mike Skinner spent 22 years in the NASCAR Cup Series. He also won 28 NASCAR Truck races. Skinner retired from driving in 2012 but remains active in the NASCAR community.

Related: Bubba Wallace is ‘pissed off’ that NASCAR fans draw hoax assumptions regarding noose

Angie Skinner (wife of Mike Wallace) comments

“Many assume that my husband and I raised children together. We did not.  Many assume we own a race team. We do not. Many of you have posted despicable comments against us for something we did not do, nor support,” Angie Skinner commented in a blog post.

My good friend and broadcast mentor Dave Moody taught me one thing when I joined his show years ago; Remember everything you say is permanent. NO ONE forgets, so always make sure what you say or post is accurate and true. Check your sources and do your research.

My true friends and family DO know me and my husband.
You don’t know why I chose to NOT be a serious news reporter after I grew up dreaming of reporting the news every night. You don’t know why I went in the direction of sports and entertainment.  And I won’t share with you those stories.”

“There are many of you out there that even complain about my laugh. That hurts, because it’s my laugh and it’s genuine. But that is your right I guess, to tell me I’m obnoxious and loud and what a piece of crap I am.”

“It’s my right to ignore your comments and still LAUGH, just as it’s me and my husband’s right to handle our personal grievances against someone and family matters personally and not on social media.”

“I am not a politician and never signed up to be outspoken on social injustices. I admire those that do in good manner, but it’s just not me and for sure is not my husband; who literally still doesn’t truly understand social media. He was told he needed an account and he followed the suggestion. “

Angie Skinner on Dustin Skinner’s comments

“When I was notified of the horrendous comments Mike’s son made about Bubba Wallace, I cried. I prayed and asked God for guidance on how to handle such a situation.”

“Our PR manager found the comments, called me immediately and addressed the comments. I asked her to deal with it because I was just so upset that anymore – let alone a family member — would express anger in that sentiment.  

She added, “I didn’t even share the info with Mike. I just wanted him to not deal with another family ordeal, of which we have experienced many.”

“When we were alone and the race was near ending, I told him about the comments made by his son.  He was extremely hurt, humiliated and upset.  He dealt with the issue man to man by calling his son and discussing his anger. “

Social media attacks Mike and Angie

“Many made comments in rage, suggesting and demanding what he should do as a father without even knowing how he did handle the situation, minutes after he was told about the post. You did it behind a keyboard with anger and hate.”

“You didn’t check your facts and you chastised me and Mike, not realizing the hurt we were dealing with. The same that has happened to many of color, gender, ethnicity. You did exactly what the world needs to STOP doing.”

“If we are going to change this world, we need to not promote so much hate and anger. We all need to be kind to one another, help one another, heal with one another, learn from one another.  How we act…. How we love and treat others…”

She added, “How we pray for those fighting such anger…. Love heals and changes – not demands and threats. This is how I deal with the many social injustices in this world.”

“I’m not radical, I’m peaceful.”

“We pray Dustin changes his views. He already broke down, apologized and realized how horrific and hurtful his comments were. He asked what to do and we suggested apologizing and learning from the outburst.  Again, we pray that his views change.
But it’s up to him to handle.”

Dustin Skinner apologizes for noose comments

“I love everyone this was not about race at all,” Skinner wrote.

“I disagree with what he [Wallace] is doing, but it was stupidly foolish for me to say what I said and I truly regret every bit of it. If there was a way to take last night back I would. All I can do is say I’m sorry.”

“I love everyone and wish the world to pull back together and us all find a positive way to agree or disagree.” Dustin Skinner concluded.

Dustin Skinner has since deleted several social media accounts.

Links

Dustin Skinner | Mike Skinner | FBI | Bubba Wallace | NASCAR | Talladega Superspeedway

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