Basketball icon Michael Jordan recently attended the Daytona 500 to support his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, which he co-owns with driver Denny Hamlin. The event, often described as the biggest race on the NASCAR calendar, drew a massive crowd as Tyler Reddick secured his first victory in the prestigious competition. Celebrations erupted in victory lane, where Reddick was joined by his pit crew, family members, and team owners, including Jordan and Hamlin, in an emotional and energetic moment marking a milestone achievement for the young driver.
Reddick expressed overwhelming joy following the win, calling the race an unforgettable experience and admitting he had nearly lost his voice from cheering. Jordan joined Reddick in lifting the Harley J. Earl Trophy, symbolizing a major success for their racing organization. The triumph marked an important moment for 23XI Racing, which has continued to grow in prominence since Reddick joined the team in 2022. Fans celebrated the team’s success across social media as footage and photos from the event quickly spread online.
However, attention soon shifted from the victory itself to a brief video clip showing Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau, during the celebrations. In the crowded and lively scene, Jordan appeared to tug playfully at the back of the child’s shirt while festivities continued around them. Some viewers online questioned the interaction, saying it appeared awkward without full context. Others, however, suggested Jordan may have simply been trying to get the boy’s attention or help adjust his shirt after the champagne and drink sprays common in race celebrations.
Many fans defended the moment, pointing out the close relationship between Jordan and Reddick’s family. Reports note that the families share longstanding connections, with Reddick previously mentioning that Jordan had known members of his wife’s family years earlier through baseball circles. Supporters argued that the short clip did not reflect the full situation and emphasized that no sign of distress from the child was visible. As online debate continues, the race victory remains a significant achievement for Reddick and 23XI Racing, highlighting a memorable day on the NASCAR circuit and a growing partnership between one of basketball’s greatest figures and the world of motorsports.