NASCAR driver who was suspended for liking George Floyd meme to return after diversity training and seeing psychologist

NASCAR driver Noah Gragson will return for the 2024 Cup Series after undergoing re-education for "liking" a post on Instagram that made fun of George Floyd.

The driver was suspended indefinitely by his team, the Legacy Motor Club, and NASCAR for liking a meme mocking George Floyd.

The team said Gragson's actions did not "represent the values" they uphold. He was later released from his team at his request in August 2023.

Less than a month later, Gragson was reinstated by NASCAR following the completion of diversity training.

"Noah Gragson has completed diversity and inclusion training with our partners at RISE," a NASCAR spokesperson said, adding that the group recommended his reinstatement, which restored his member privileges.

RISE described itself as "a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations."

Gragson took to his social media to thank NASCAR for giving him a second chance.

It was later revealed by the driver in December 2023 that he had even decided to visit a psychologist regarding the ordeal.

Gragson told WPDE ABC 15 that he reached out to a friend at the time and wondered why his life was apparently falling apart.

"I was like ‘Man, what’s going on? Like, is this real? Why is this happening?'" Gragson reportedly said. The 25-year-old recalled that his friend said "'I'm going to tell you this because you're like a little brother to me, but it's time you grow up and it's time you take accountability and you allow yourself to take this opportunity to work on yourself and self reflect.'"

Gragson told the outlet that he had worked on self-improvement over a span of five months, which included NASCAR's diversity training along with seeking professional help from a psychologist. The Nevada native stated his eyes were opened "to the world," and he realized he was "a pretty selfish guy."

"I've learned to pay more attention, be more present, enjoy the people I'm with. This has really been a rude awakening of all the work I needed to do on myself."

NASCAR announced that Gragson will race full-time for the Stewart-Haas team, starting in the 2024 season.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series begins with its first race on February 4, 2024.

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