Michael Jordan is facing online backlash after a brief interaction with a child during celebrations at the Daytona 500 sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether the gesture was appropriate.
The moment occurred as Jordan joined jubilant scenes after his team, 23XI Racing, secured its first victory in NASCAR’s marquee event after driver Tyler Reddick delivered the landmark win, prompting emotional reactions.
Video circulating online appears to show Jordan playfully reaching toward a child amid the chaos of Victory Lane, touching the child’s legs and tugging at his shirt. Some viewers interpreted the action as harmless, while others condemned it.
Breaking 911 wrote, “Interesting celebration choice by Michael Jordan after winning the Daytona 500.”
Whilst Shadow of Ezra also commented, “Michael Jordan is currently facing backlash after inappropriately touching a child during live television.”
MARCA is unaware of any formal allegation or complaint against Jordan being made, and he has not commented on the matter. There is no indication of any legal action against the Chicago Bulls legend.
Reddick clinched the race with a dramatic final-lap pass at Daytona International Speedway, surging ahead in the closing moments of what is widely known as “The Great American Race.”
Jordan embraced the driver in Victory Lane, later hoisting the Harley J. Earl Trophy alongside him. The triumph earned Jordan a Daytona 500 championship ring, symbolically adding a motorsports accolade to his storied legacy.
“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,” Jordan said of the victory. “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.”
How did Tyler Reddick win the Daytona 500?
Reddick led only the final lap, capitalizing on late-race chaos that reshuffled the field. The dramatic finish set a new event record for the number of drivers who led at least one lap during the race.
For Reddick, the victory carried personal weight after a challenging year marked by family health concerns and a lengthy winless streak. The result also validated the faith placed in him by the team’s high-profile owners.
“Just incredible how it all played out,” Reddick said. “Just true Daytona madness. I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.
“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.”
While debate over the viral clip continues, the race outcome itself stands as one of the most significant achievements in the team’s short history, underscoring both the triumph and the scrutiny that accompany global fame.
