Basketball legend Michael Jordan recently attended the Daytona 500 to support his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, which he co-owns with driver Denny Hamlin. The iconic race — one of the biggest events on the NASCAR calendar — drew massive attention as Tyler Reddick captured his first Daytona 500 victory, marking a major milestone in his career.

Celebrations erupted in victory lane as Reddick was surrounded by his pit crew, family, and team owners, including Jordan and Hamlin. Overwhelmed with emotion, Reddick described the win as unforgettable, joking that he nearly lost his voice from cheering. Jordan joined him in lifting the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy, symbolizing an important achievement for 23XI Racing, a team that has steadily risen in prominence since Reddick joined in 2022. Fans quickly flooded social media with photos and videos, celebrating the team’s success.

However, attention soon shifted to a brief viral clip showing Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau, during the celebrations. In the crowded scene, Jordan appeared to playfully tug at the back of the child’s shirt. Some viewers questioned the moment, saying it looked awkward without full context. Others suggested Jordan was simply trying to get the boy’s attention or help adjust his shirt amid the champagne sprays common in racing celebrations.

Many fans defended Jordan, pointing to the close relationship between him and Reddick’s family. Reports note the families share longstanding connections, with Jordan having known members of Reddick’s wife’s family years earlier. Supporters emphasized the clip did not show any distress from the child and likely did not reflect the full situation.

Despite online debate, the Daytona 500 victory remains a defining moment for Reddick and 23XI Racing — highlighting a memorable day in motorsports and Jordan’s growing presence beyond basketball.