Bubba Wallace: Kyle Larson deserves second chance after using racial slur

Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, the lone African American competing in one of NASCAR's national series, said Kyle Larson was wrong to have used a racial slur during a virtual race, adding that he has spoken with Larson and believes he deserves a second chance.

Larson was competing in an iRacing event on Sunday when he appeared to lose communication with his spotter on his headset. During a check of his microphone, Larson said, "You can't hear me?" That was followed by the N-word.

He issued an apology Monday, saying that there was "no excuse" for his comment, and he apologized in a video posted on his social media accounts. His three primary sponsors in the Cup Series ended their relationships with Larson later Monday and, on Tuesday, Chip Ganassi Racing announced it had fired Larson, leaving him without a team to drive for.

"What Larson said was wrong, whether in private or public. There is no grey area," Wallace posted on Twitter on Thursday. "I saw the incident the night it happened and within 5 minutes Kyle texted me. He called me the next morning as well. Finally I called him back with a FaceTime to talk 'face to face,' and we had a good conversation, his apology was sincere. His emotions and pride were shattered.

"We discussed why he chose to use that language and I shared my thoughts. I told him, it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary. There is no place for that word in this world. I am not mad at him, and I believe that he, along with most people deserve second chances, and deserve space to improve. I do wish him and his family nothing but the best. And I am more than willing to work with him to address diversity and inclusion in our sport."

Wallace said it doesn't matter how the slur was used, adding that it's not just a word.

"The word brings many terrible memories for people and families and brings them back to a time that WE as a community and human race have tried our hardest to get away from. The sport has made combatting this stereotype one of their top priorities," Wallace wrote. "NASCAR has been doing what it can to get away from the 'racist and redneck sport' labels.

"Diversity and inclusion is a main priority for the sport across every team, every car, every crew member and employee. With that said, It hurts to see the African American community immediately throw NASCAR under the bus with the 'I'm not shocked, it's NASCAR.' NASCAR has been, and will be way better than how we've been represented in the last couple of weeks. As the person that arguably has the biggest voice on this topic in our sport, it's tough for me to speak to because I didn't imagine us being here. Can we all do a better job with inclusion? Absolutely, it's a worldwide problem, not just in our sport. We as humans can always do better."

Wallace was in the spotlight a week earlier after he "rage quit" a virtual race after an on-track incident and was dropped by the company that sponsored him in the race.

"That's why I don't take this s--- serious. Peace out," Wallace said on his gaming stream.

After fans ripped him on Twitter, he laughed at how seriously some are taking iRacing.

"I ruined so many peoples day by quitting ... a video game," he wrote. "Bahaha. A video game. Damn quarantine life is rough."

That incident reminded Wallace that drivers are always in the spotlight, and Larson's use of a racial slur showed just how far-ranging the repercussions can be.

An avid user of social media, Wallace found himself baffled by many of the things in his Twitter feed since Sunday night.

"As an athlete, we immediately become representative of something bigger than ourselves. This is something most people may not understand," Wallace wrote. "We are ambassadors for our partners, our race teams, crews, families and the sanctioning body. Every single person is affected. One question I get often is 'what's the worst part of being an athlete' I always reply with how we're put on a pedestal.

"Everything we do, eat and say is under a microscope. But a 'normal' person can mostly do whatever they want. Some call it unfair? Sure, but that's what we sign up for from day 1. Have I been the best ambassador at times? Absolutely not. We're not perfect, I am not perfect. We're all human, we make mistakes. Often given many chances.

"The part that irks me the most are the people that say 'but if Bubba said [the N-word], nothing would happen' let me throw the rule book at ya first.. 'As a NASCAR member we shall not make or cause a public statement or communication that criticizes, ridicules or otherwise disparages another persons race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.' I AM A NASCAR MEMBER. A damn proud one too. I would expect and should be held to the same standard as any other members of the sport. I think everyone can learn something from what has happened these past few weeks. I am looking forward to getting the season back underway and continue our momentum."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.