Michael Jordan is facing backlash online after an ‘inappropriate’ celebration following his Daytona 500 Victory on Sunday (February 15).
As of yesterday, the six-time NBA champion is now a Daytona 500 winner.
Driver Tyler Reddick won ‘The Great American Race’ on Sunday with a frantic last lap at the Daytona International Speedway, securing Jordan the historic first win.
Reddick, 30, from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and first time since late in the 2024 season.
Jordan co-bought the team, 23XI Racing, in 2021 with Denny Hamlin, and it currently runs three cars.
Speaking after his win, Reddick said: “It’s stuff you dream of as a kid.
“Now, I definitely didn’t look into the future and know that I would drive for Michael Jordan. But to be able to have someone like Michael Jordan believe in me enough, someone like Denny Hamlin.
“I’m just trying to do my best to live on the promises that I made to them and vice versa.”
‘I can’t believe it’
“I can’t even believe it, it was so gratifying,” Jordan said in a post-victory interview.
“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.”
Prior to dipping his toe in the world of NASCAR, it’s safe to say that Jordan redefined basketball greatness.
He combined unmatched competitiveness with six NBA championships and five MVP awards during his career.
His impact extended beyond the court, turning the NBA into a global phenomenon and building an enduring brand with Nike’s Air Jordan line.
What’s for sure, is that his legacy remains the gold standard for excellence in the sport.
Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, will receive a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday, and made no mistake of letting everyone know that he wears a size 13.
Post-race, he said: “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
Users online slam Michael Jordan’s ‘inappropriate’ celebration
Following the victory, hundreds of users online slammed the NBA star, after his ‘inappropriate’ celebration with a child, allegedly Reddick’s young son, Beau.
One user prompted the backlash after posting: “Interesting celebration choice by Michael Jordan after winning the Daytona 500.”
“After the week we just had…this is NOT a good look,” another added.
A third questioned: “Yo what did I just witness.”
As another wrote: “Straight to jail.”
“MJ ruined his entire legacy in only 23 seconds,” a fifth added.
But many others have defended the sports star, providing a possible explanation for the questionable moment.
“Give it a rest! The kid is wet,” one clarified.
As another pointed out: “Everyone got doused in champagne. The boy said he was itchy, and Michael Jordan was helping the poor kid out.
“He’s pulling the shirt away and then he scratches the boy’s leg. I know that the Epstein files are out and people are on edge, but this ain’t it, folks. Grow up.”
A third added: “Tyler Reddick is the driver and this is Tyler’s son. Champagne had just been poured on everyone and the son said it was making him itch.”
What did Michael Jordan do?
During the strange clip, Jordan reached toward the child during the celebration, touching his legs and bottom, and tugging at his T-shirt.
From some angles, Jordan appears to be pinching around his lower back.
While the clip continues to circulate, neither Jordan nor the team has publicly addressed the viral moment.
The controversy shifted attention away from what was otherwise a landmark achievement for the organization.
