FBI Concludes Investigation Into Bubba Wallace's Talladega Superspeedway Stall (UPDATE)
Agents concluded that the noose found in the stall had been there since October 2019.
UPDATE (June 26, 2020): The FBI has concluded its investigation into the noose found in Darrell “Bubba” Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway. In an official statement, the FBI said there had been no federal crime committed, and that the noose had in fact been in the stall as early as October 2019 — a finding corroborated by video evidence from the track’s security cameras.
In its own statement, NASCAR said that pull rope for the garage door had been “fashioned like a noose” and left in the garage.“We appreciate the F.B.I.’s quick and thorough investigation and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba,” NASCAR continued in the statement.
Wallace’s sponsor Richard Petty Motorsports chimed in as well, saying it was “grateful the findings [concluded] there was no direct threat” to Wallace or his pit crew.”
See the FBI’s full statement and the original story below.
“On Monday, fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed.
The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week. The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019. Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.
The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws. We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation.”
ORIGINAL STORY (June 23, 2020): As NASCAR continues to voice its concerns towards racism in the sport and the need for change, continued despicable acts continue to rear its ugly head. Apart from the Confederate flag that was flown with the slogan “Defund NASCAR,” a noose was recently discovered in Darrell “Bubba” Wallace‘s garage — the only Black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR has responded to the crime with the statement: ““We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act. We have launched an investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport. 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 welcoming to all.” On top of the issued statement, Wallace’s fellow drivers and teammates showed solidarity in pushing Wallace’s car together to the font of the line before the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. The track’s infield grass also sported the hashtag “#IStandWithBubba” on it.
Wallace went on to finish 14 in the race — a career best on the track. There is still an on going investigation on who placed the noose in his garage with many looking inside the racing organization as the only people with access to the area are drivers and staff.
For more sports news, Premier League teams are set to feature Black Lives Matter and NHS logos on jerseys.
"What happened was absolutely disgusting and I was very, very mad about it. Everyone was."- Ryan @Blaney talks about supporting his friend, @BubbaWallace, after a noose was found in his garage stall in Talladega. pic.twitter.com/cl2yrDEaEJ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 22, 2020
"Let's shut these haters up."- @BubbaWallace's No. 43 team before the green flag at Talladega. pic.twitter.com/S9pKlJMhsn
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2020
After a noose was found in his garage stall last night, @NASCAR drivers show their support for @BubbaWallace at Talladega. #IStandWIthBubba pic.twitter.com/uFlxmP27qa
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2020
