NASCAR bans Confederate flag

The NASCAR auto racing series has banned the display of the Confederate flag at events and venues, following the death of George Floyd.

The ban announced Wednesday comes five years after NASCAR requested that fans not display the flag and is expected to result in a response from some fans, considering auto racing is popular in the south where the flag remains a significant part of its history. Critics of the flag say it remains a symbol of the country’s segregated past. 

Floyd, a black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest, sparking nationwide protests.

NASCAR also removed its rule that racing-team members stand for the national anthem, according to CNBC.

Darrell "Bubba" Watson, NASCAR's only black driver, called for the ban and later called it a "huge, pivotal moment for the sport."