Celebrity3 min(s) read
Tyler Reddick breaks silence on huge backlash after Michael Jordan touches his son at NASCAR race
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick is setting the record straight regarding the controversy surrounding NBA legend Michael Jordan and an interaction with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau, after their victorious Daytona 500 celebration.
The moment, which went viral, sparked debate across social media, but Reddick is now clarifying his perspective, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The Viral Clip: Michael Jordan’s Controversial Interaction
After Reddick pulled off a dramatic win in NASCAR’s most prestigious race, the Daytona 500, with a car owned by Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, a viral clip of the post-race celebration quickly made the rounds.
In the footage, Jordan is seen celebrating alongside Reddick’s son, Beau, in Florida.
However, the moment became controversial when Jordan was caught on camera appearing to grab at the child’s lower back and bottom area.
The incident divided fans: some critics questioned Jordan's actions, while others defended him, suggesting he was simply trying to remove ice that had fallen down Beau’s shirt amid the high-energy celebration.
Tyler Reddick Defends Michael Jordan
In an interview on Stephen A. Smith's SiriusXM radio show, Reddick spoke candidly about the incident and his relationship with Jordan and his family.
"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 explained.
Reddick, who just won his first Daytona 500, emphasized the significance of the moment, not just for him, but for everyone involved.
"For me, it's a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career. It's a huge moment for my family and for his family," he said.
"And I just put that off to the side and think about the look on (Michael Jordan's wife) Yvette's face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to victory lane too, and just how happy everybody was celebrating together. So, that's where I'm at with it."
A Historic Victory for Reddick and Jordan’s 23XI Racing Team
Despite the controversy, Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory was a milestone for both him and Michael Jordan. It marked the first win for Reddick and a major triumph for Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, which also celebrates its first Daytona 500 victory.
Jordan, who turns 63 this week, was ecstatic about the victory and celebrated with Reddick in the victory lane. The two shared a bear hug as they jointly lifted the prestigious Harley J. Earl trophy.
Jordan made light of the moment, noting that he would be receiving a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday. “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,” Jordan joked, adding that he wears a size 13 ring.
Michael Jordan’s Role in NASCAR and Legal Victory
Beyond the win, Michael Jordan has made his mark on NASCAR in more ways than one. Jordan was the face of the December federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, which resulted in a significant settlement.
The lawsuit led to changes in NASCAR's revenue-sharing model and was settled on the ninth day of trial. Jordan's legal victory over NASCAR’s leadership, including NASCAR chairman Jim France, was a major moment for the NBA legend, who had watched the race from a suite overlooking the superspeedway.
Jordan reflected on the victory: “I can't even believe it. It was so gratifying. You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive. We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I'm ecstatic."