High school golf coach resigns after racist tweets to NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr.
Next season Darrell Wallace Jr. will become the first African-American driver full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series since 1971.
A Wisconsin high school golf coach resigned his position after sending racist tweets directed at Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., who is set to become the first African-American driver to compete full-time in NASCAR’s top division since 1971.
Cambridge (Wis.) High School coach Brent Nottestad posted several tweets on Wednesday commenting on Richard Petty Motorsports recently naming Wallace to drive its No. 43 car next season.
One of Nottestad’s tweets, which have since been deleted, included a reference to Wallace’s grandmother, who died last year: "Granny Jan die in a police shooting?" Nottestad also tweeted: "Hey @BubbaWallace. Please quit with, 'I'm black' bs. You're terrible. There are 1423 more credible drivers to get that ride than you.”
The number 1423 is often used by the Southern Brotherhood, the largest white supremacist prison gang in Alabama, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Nottestad, 42, also wrote in reference to a photo of Wallace posing with a white fan: "Almost looks like going to the zoo."
Wallace responded to Nottestad’s tweets after the message about his grandmother:
You're a smart guy? a disgusting but smart guy right? This makes you look pathetic and weak, it's sad. You said what you meant and now worried about the repercussions..that I pray to God will happen. Oh and my granny hopes so too
— Darrell Wallace Jr (@BubbaWallace) November 9, 2017
Wow, I feel truly sorry for your kids. Again..to have so much hate towards somebody you've never met. Hope your kids grow up to be the exact opposite of a father you are.. https://t.co/yxLhvjjxQ8
— Darrell Wallace Jr (@BubbaWallace) November 9, 2017
The Cambridge News first reported Nottestad’s resignation. He stepped down Thursday after meeting with school district officials.
“The Cambridge School District was made aware of several offensive comments made on social media by Cambridge High School boys’ golf coach, Brent Nottestad,” Cambridge Superintendent Bernie Nikolay said in a statement. “After a meeting between Mr. Nottestad and school district officials this morning, Mr. Nottestad resigned his position with the district, effective immediately. As this is a personnel matter, no other statements or comments will be forthcoming from the school district.”