The saga surrounding an alleged noose found weeks ago at Talladega Superspeedway is apparently not over.
The FBI swiftly investigated after NASCAR announced that a noose had been discovered in the garage of Mobile-native Bubba Wallace, the only full-time black driver in NASCAR’s top series.
The investigation revealed the noose had been there since at least October 2019 and that no crime occurred. NASCAR subsequently released a statement explaining that a “garage door pull rope” had been “fashioned like a noose.”
However, speaking to CNN’s Don Lemon the evening after the FBI released their findings, Wallace pushed back on that.
The driver said, “[W]hat was hanging in my garage is not a garage pull.”
“It was a noose,” Wallace added. “Whether tied in 2019 or whatever, it was a noose. So, it wasn’t directed at me but somebody tied a noose. That’s what I’m saying.”
Since that day, Wallace has received criticism by some for his response, and President Donald Trump poured more fuel onto the fire in a Monday tweet. The president also seemed to take a shot at NASCAR for recently banning Confederate flags from its events.
In a tweet of his own later on Monday, U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) responded directly to Trump, additionally sharing a picture provided by NASCAR of the noose found at Talladega.
“The presence of a noose is never a hoax – anytime or anywhere,” Alabama’s junior senator said. “Most Americans are grateful that the NASCAR family rallied in support of Bubba. That wasn’t a hoax either. It’s another step forward – with or without you.”
The presence of a noose is never a hoax – anytime or anywhere. Most Americans are grateful that the NASCAR family rallied in support of Bubba. That wasn’t a hoax either. It’s another step forward – with or without you https://t.co/1ls1vQI3le pic.twitter.com/Pn6PDK1Z4N
— Doug Jones (@DougJones) July 7, 2020
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.