News

NASCAR Driver Kyle Larson Suspended For Use Of N-Word During Virtual Race

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely on Monday by NASCAR and his team, Chip Ganassi Racing, for using a racial slur during a virtual race hosted by iRacing.

The 27-year-old supposedly lost connection in his headset and was having trouble hearing his “spotter” before asking, “You can’t hear me?” Under the impression he wasn’t being heard by other users, Larson decided to utter the N-word. Other drivers participating in the virtual race were apparently shocked as one person responded, “Kyle, your talking to everyone, bud.”

The Chip Ganassi Racing team released a statement Monday expressing their disgust with Larson’s actions. “We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing Event. The words that he chose to use are offensive and unacceptable,” the statement said. “As of this moment we are suspending Kyle without pay while we work through this situation with all appropriate parties.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Larson posted an apology video on his Twitter account Monday (below).


 

“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Our Member Conduct Guidelines are clear in this regard, and we will enforce these guidelines to maintain an inclusive environment for our entire industry and fan base.”

Ironically, Larson is half Japanese and was previously involved in NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” program. He acknowledges in the video that the the “damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that.” Even if he is truly sorry, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of his sponsors including McDonald’s, Credit One Bank and Cheverolet, decides to cut ties with him.

 

Frank DeLorenzo

Recent Posts

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

4 hours ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

22 hours ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

22 hours ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Fencer Eli Dershwitz Explains The Art Of Fencing

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…

2 days ago

Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…

3 days ago

VIDEO: UFC Heavyweight Champion Performs Viral Trump Dance In New York

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…

4 days ago