Michael Jordan celebration at Daytona 500 questioned after video with Tyler Reddick’s six year old son goes viral

Michael Jordan is facing online criticism just hours after celebrating one of the biggest wins in his NASCAR team’s history. The former NBA star was on the podium Sunday after 23XI Racing won the Daytona 500 when a short video began spreading across social media.

In the clip, Jordan is seen reaching toward the lower back area of six year old Beau Reddick, the son of driver Tyler Reddick. Some viewers felt the moment looked uncomfortable. Others believe he was simply trying to remove ice that had slipped down the child’s shirt during the loud and messy celebration.The moment quickly divided opinion among social media users . According to the Daily Mail, Jordan’s representatives, NASCAR and 23XI Racing were contacted for comment.

As of now, no official statement has been shared publicly.

Michael Jordan and Tyler Reddick celebrate Daytona 500 win as viral video sparks debate

The celebration came after Tyler Reddick delivered a dramatic win in the Daytona 500 driving a Toyota for 23XI Racing, the team co owned by Michael Jordan. Reddick led only one lap on Sunday, but it was the final lap that mattered most. He became the 25th different driver to lead a lap in the race, setting a new event record.While Jordan hugged Reddick in victory lane and lifted the Harley J Earl Trophy with him, cameras also caught the brief interaction with Beau.

Soon after, social media filled with strong reactions.

One user wrote, “I cannot think of a single scenario where this is okay. Not even one.” Another said, “You cannot be doing this. Just not on, even if you are a star. That child looked very uncomfortable.” A third added, “I feel that was very inappropriate behavior by Michael Jordan.”But others defended him. Radio host Bubba the Love Sponge said, “Michael Jordan reaching into Tyler Reddick’s son’s waistband went viral fast.

But if you actually watch it closely, you can see chunks of ice packed in the kid’s back. First glance it looks bad. Second glance looks like someone helping a kid who had ice shoved down his shirt.” Another person wrote, “He is just playing with the kid. People will look for anything that is not there.

”The debate came on what was otherwise a joyful day. Jordan said after the race, “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I will not even know.”

He added, “I cannot 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 am ecstatic.”The win was also meaningful for Reddick. Last year he did not win a race, and he spent much of that time focused on his infant son Rookie, who had a tumor in his chest that affected his heart.Michael Jordan’s team’s victory also came months after NASCAR settled a federal antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, according to reports. NASCAR chairman Jim France was seen congratulating the winners in victory lane. For now, the win stands as a historic moment for 23XI Racing, even as the short clip continues to spark conversation online.