Some NASCAR drivers are speaking out amid the nationwide reaction to the killing of George Floyd.
The last week was an all-around ugly one for the United States, beginning with the May 25 killing of Floyd by now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. In the days since, protests, riots and looting all have taken place across the country, particularly in major cities.
In recent days, multiple NASCAR drivers used social media to express support of justice for Floyd. Many others have remained silent, however.
Here are reactions from Tyler Reddick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, Ty Dillon and Darrell Wallace Jr., the only African American driver on the NASCAR Cup Series:
(Note: Some of the posts contain inappropriate language.)
I want to let everyone know out there, I hurt with you and I stand with you. #BlackLivesMatter #ICantBreathe #GeorgeFloyd #JusticeForFloyd #SystematicOppression pic.twitter.com/45HSXYvwlP
— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) June 1, 2020
I want Tyler to be successful because he’s fun to watch. Now I see he’s also one that is willing to speak out on something he believes in. Good on you Tyler. You will receive both support and pushback. But I appreciate you, @tydillon, and others for speaking your mind. https://t.co/ee6RGf4lkd
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 1, 2020
As human beings we all have to stand together on what’s right and wrong. What happened to Mr. Floyd and all others who have been oppressed has sickened me. I support the change that needs to happen in this country and around the world. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/NZL42HJjum
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) June 1, 2020
I feel pain, disappointment & anger everytime I see the horrible video of George Floyd pleading for his life.
He deserved better, black people deserve better, humanity deserves better.
We live in the 21st century. When will racism & prejudice stop?#justiceforfloyd #icantbreathe pic.twitter.com/jYBsiEaKjQ— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) May 28, 2020
Shits getting old.. hell its been old. Wtf is gonna change?!
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) May 27, 2020
Respect.
To the ones that believe we’re trying to throw black vs white at them.. open your eyes..?
It’s right vs wrong. It’s inclusion. We’re one race…Humans
?????? https://t.co/b975Vym8Qm
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) May 31, 2020
Predictably, reactions to the posts were mixed. Some fans applauded the drivers for speaking out, while others decried what they felt was support of lawless destruction and chaos.
As of Monday afternoon, NASCAR hadn’t offered a public statement. Many U.S. professional sports organizations over the past week have been vocal in their support of the fight for racial equality.
