The Controversial Moment Occurred Shortly after Reddick Won the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s Biggest Race on Sunday
What should have been a milestone moment for Michael Jordan as a NASCAR team owner quickly turned into a social media controversy following Sunday’s Daytona 500 celebration.
Jordan, the six time NBA champion and co owner of 23XI Racing, joined driver Tyler Reddick in Victory Lane after Reddick secured his first Daytona 500 win. But video circulating online showed Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six year old son, Beau, after the child appeared to have ice placed down the back of his shirt during the post race festivities.
Some social media users described the interaction as inappropriate, pointing to a clip in which Jordan appeared to pinch the child’s backside and briefly brush his leg as confetti fell around the podium. The backlash escalated quickly, with some fans publicly criticizing Jordan and even discarding his branded merchandise in protest.
Reddick Responds On National Radio
Reddick addressed the criticism during a Tuesday appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on SiriusXM, pushing back on the narrative that has developed online.
“From my perspective, I’ve gotten to know Michael and his family very well over the years I’ve been here with 23XI, and I don’t see what other people see when it comes to this,” Reddick said.
The NASCAR driver initially declined to comment when asked about the moment Monday, opting to let the dust settle before offering his thoughts publicly.
Jordan has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
A Historic Win For 23XI Racing
The controversy comes at what was otherwise a defining moment for both Reddick and 23XI Racing. The victory marked Reddick’s first Daytona 500 title and the first for Jordan’s NASCAR organization.
“This is a huge moment, the biggest moment of my career,” Reddick told Smith. “A huge moment for my family and his family and I just put that off to the side.”
Reddick emphasized the shared celebration in Victory Lane, recalling the joy among Jordan’s family and team members.
“I think about the look on Yvette’s face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to Victory Lane too,” he said. “Just how happy everyone was celebrating together. That’s where I’m at with it.”
For Jordan, the moment carried championship level weight.
“It feels like I won a championship,” he said. “Until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
What began as a historic day in Daytona Beach has since sparked debate far beyond the racetrack. For now, Reddick is keeping his focus on the trophy in hand rather than the commentary online.
