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Noah Gragson releases statement after being reinstated from suspension

DSprofileby: Dustin Schutte09/12/23DLS1066206
noah gragson nascar
Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR has decided to reinstate driver Noah Gragson. He was initially suspended for offensive behavior on social media, violating NASCAR policies.

Following NASCAR’s decision, Gragson released a statement.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to NASCAR for reinstating me,” Gragson said. “Over the past several weeks, I have dedicated myself to personal growth and reflection, and I believe I have become a better person because of it.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and the NASCAR industry. I am now more focused and committed than ever to representing my future team in the best way possible. I’m eager to get back behind the wheel and compete at the highest level, giving it my all on and off the track. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey, and I can’t wait to make the most of this second chance.”

According to a report from TMZ Sports, Gragson liked a meme mocking George Floyd. NASCAR placed an indefinite suspension on the driver shortly after the incident.

Following the incident, Gragson released an apology on social media.

“I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media,” he wrote. “I understand the severity of this situation.”

NASCAR suspended Gragson on Aug. 5. He has not raced since then.

NASCAR reinstates Noah Gragson

More than a month after hitting Gragson with an indefinite suspension, NASCAR decided to reinstate the driver. NASCAR.com highlighted why the sport decided to make the move.

“Competition officials suspended Gragson on Aug. 5 for violating the member conduct section of the NASCAR Rule Book, citing in a statement ‘his actions on social media.’ That suspension came hours after his Legacy Motor Club team issued its own indefinite suspension, for ‘actions that do not represent the values of our team,'” the website reads.

“Tuesday, a NASCAR spokesperson said that ‘Noah Gragson has completed diversity and inclusion training with our partners at RISE,’ and that that group recommended his reinstatement, restoring his member privileges.”