Weeks after the Confederate flag was banned from all races, a noose is found in the garage stall of the only full-time black driver on the circuit at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama.
- Jun 22, 2020
AceShowbiz - LeBron James has Bubba Wallace's back after the noose incident at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Shortly after news broke out that a noose was found in the only full-time black driver's garage stall on Sunday, June 21, the Los Angeles Lakers star voiced his outrage over the incident.
"Sickening! @BubbaWallace my brother! Know you don't stand alone! I'm right here with you as well as every other athlete," the 35-year-old athlete declared his support for Wallace on Twitter. "I just want to continue to say how proud I am of you for continuing to take a stand for change here in America and sports! @NASCAR I salute you as well!"
Also angered by the noose incident was fellow driver Michael McDowell. "God help us. The level of evil it takes to do something like this is disgusting. This is enraging and heartbreaking all at the same time," he tweeted. Meanwhile, semi-retired driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. voiced his support by writing, "Hope Bubba wins it tomorrow."
Wallace himself has shared his thought on the act of racism directed toward him. "Today's despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"Over the last several weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the support from people across the NASCAR industry, including other drivers and team members in the garage," he continued. "Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone."
The 26-year-old went on to say, "Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate. As my mother told me today, 'they are just trying to scare you.' This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down." He concluded by stating, "I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in."
Earlier the same day, NASCAR declared that they have launched an investigation into the incident. "Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team," the organization said in a statement to the press. "We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act."
"We have launched an immediate investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport," the organization continued. "As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all."
Wallace, who drives the No. 43 Chevrolet owned by Richard Petty Motorsports, has been actively campaigning for the banning of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. On June 10, NASCAR made public their decision to support the pro race car driver's call.
"The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," the organization declared. "Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties."
