The NASCAR driver liked a ‘The Little Mermaid’ meme depicting George Floyd “Under the Knee”
Noah Gragson is in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 42 for Legacy Motor Club.
This weekend, NASCAR is racing at Michigan International Speedway. Gragson will not take part in the event at the 2-mile oval.
Ahead of qualifying at Michigan, NASCAR has suspended driver Noah Gragson indefinitely. The announcement was made directly following a team statement.
Section 4.4.D: Member Conduct
The 25-year old liked a meme on Instagram that depicted George Floyd as the crab from ‘The Little Mermaid’. The caption read, “Under the Knee” instead of “Under the Sea.”
George Floyd was killed by police after they stood on his neck. The death sparked riots and protests in 2020.
Gragson isn’t the first driver to be suspended for liking or sharing social media posts. Denny Hamlin and Mike Wallace were both previously suspended following activity on memes.
Josh Berry will fill the seat of the No. 42 this weekend.
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Legacy Motor Club statement
The team issued the the following statement on Saturday morning:
“We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team,” the team stated.
They added, “Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan.”
Noah Gragson statement
Noah Gragson posted the following comment after the suspension was announced:
“I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media,” Noah Gragson opened via social media.
He added, “I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are”
Gragson concluded, “I messed up plain and simple.”
He sits 33rd in the driver standings.
Gragson missed a race earlier this season following a crash at WWT Raceway. He was suffering from concussion-like symtoms.
NASCAR driver Noah Gragson out with concussion (Video)
Josh Berry comments
Josh Berry spoke on his opportunity after qualifying:
“Just trying to get re-acclimated to the Next Gen,” Berry told NBC Sports.
“I mean, I found out like, it feels like an hour ago that I was even doing this, so the biggest goal is to keep the car in one piece. I know Luke (Lambert, No. 42 crew chief) and a lot of these guys really well.”
Berry added, “So, after our Xfinity race tonight, we’ll talk some more and then just tomorrow, just try to run all the laps and learn all we can for next year and get the best finish we can.”
Michigan Starting Lineup: August 2023 (NASCAR Cup Series)
