In the midst of tension and somewhat bitter moments, Michael Jordancan always count on fans to lighten the load. The basketball icon, one of the most followed athletes in history, experienced just that recently, when a fan managed to elicit a rare smile in a setting that demanded seriousness.

A nostalgic interruption

Michael Jordan walked out of the courthouse, where he was navigating a tangle of legal arguments, financial documents, and the weight of an antitrust battle with NASCAR. Cameras surrounded him as he kept focused on the matter at hand. Yet, amid the serious atmosphere, a clever fan broke through the tension with a playful gesture – blasting “Be Like Mike” from the sidelines. The song, an iconic jingle from his 1991 Gatorade campaign, immediately caught Jordan off guard. He slowed down, turned his head, and let out a genuine laugh, offering a memorable break from the day’s gravity.

The familiar tune transported everyone back to the 1990s, evoking images of kids trying to imitate his on-court mastery and dreaming of becoming the next basketball star. “Be Like Mike” was a cultural moment.

A legend in the courtroom

The brief musical interruption was a chance to release some tension and remember why he remains a living legend of sport. Even in the midst of a complex legal battle, the moment provided a little lightness.

Beyond the moment, the NBA legend remains fully engaged in his legal dispute with NASCAR. The battle began in October 2024, when Jordan’s team, 23XI, along with Front Row Motorsports, filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging that NASCAR uses monopoly powers to limit the revenues and independence of race teams. Jordan has emphasized that the lawsuit isn’t just for himself but also to protect opportunities for smaller teams to compete and succeed. He maintained that stance when taking the stand, underscoring his commitment to fairness in the sport.