LeBron James, Tyrann Mathieu of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and PGA golfer Max Homa were among the athletes who showed support for Bubba Wallace on social media after news that a noose had been found Sunday in Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway.
NASCAR stated it has launched an investigation and that “we are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act. ... 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 welcome to all.”
Wallace, the only Black driver competing full-time in NASCAR’s top series, stated on social media late Sunday that “this will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in.”
James tweeted his support for Wallace, saying: “I’m right here with you as well as every other athlete.”
Mathieu tweeted to Wallace: “I stand with you champ.”
Homa, who completed play in Sunday’s PGA event, said on Twitter: “I’ve never been much into NASCAR but I am damn sure rooting for Bubba Wallace to ball out in spite of all this BS he has to deal with.”
WWE wrestler Titus O’Neil tweeted: “I STAND WITH Bubba Wallace.”
NASCAR Cup drivers Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick and Garrett Smithley were among drivers tweeting their support of Wallace shortly after the news broke. Early Monday morning, Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski both expressed their outrage and what was done at the track. They were joined by many other drivers voicing their support for Wallace.
Sickening! @BubbaWallace my brother! Know you don’t stand alone! I’m right here with you as well as every other athlete. 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! 🙏🏾✊🏾👑 https://t.co/1TwkjVHai5
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 22, 2020
I stand with you champ https://t.co/GGRXWwy2FM
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) June 22, 2020
This is so gross and pathetic. I’ve never been much into NASCAR but I am damn sure rooting for @BubbaWallace to ball out in spite of all this BS he has to deal with. Be better people https://t.co/XG1jDUEJBS
— max homa (@maxhoma23) June 22, 2020
I STAND WITH @BubbaWallace ✊🏿✊🏿❤️ https://t.co/5qDnHrQHKi
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 22, 2020
🙏
— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) June 22, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/FovpeTwINu
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) June 22, 2020
I can’t begin to fathom the pain this action has caused. I stand with you @BubbaWallace. https://t.co/lV8v46ktWN
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) June 22, 2020
Woke up to some bad news that’s not worth repeating. Not because it’s not serious, but because That’s exactly what the culprits want, attention and the fear that comes from it.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) June 22, 2020
I trust Nascar to handle it appropriately and fully support them in getting this right.
