NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick addressed recent fan criticism surrounding 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan after a viral clip showed Jordan interacting with Reddick’s young son. Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio in early 2026, Reddick dismissed concerns about the incident and defended Jordan’s intentions amid online backlash.
The controversy emerged shortly after 23XI Racing’s historic 2026 Daytona 500 victory—the team’s first season opener win since resolving an antitrust dispute in late 2025. Fans noticed Jordan lightly pinching and brushing the legs of Beau, Reddick’s son, during the celebrations, sparking unfounded connections to unrelated allegations from recently released Epstein files. Yet many others stood by Jordan, framing the reaction as an overblown internet scandal.
Reddick emphasized his close relationship with Michael Jordan and his family over several years, expressing confidence about the event’s harmless nature. He explained:
“From my perspective, I’ve gotten to know Michael and his family very well over the years I’ve been here with 23XI, and I don’t see what other people see when it comes to this. For me, it’s a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career.”
“It’s a huge moment for my family and for his family, and I just put that off to the side and think about the look on (Michael Jordan’s wife) Yvette’s face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to victory lane too, and just how happy everybody was celebrating together. So, that’s where I’m at with it,” he added.
Reddick’s reassurance came on the heels of his strong performance during the lead-up to the Daytona 500—finishing twentieth in Duel 2—and culminating in a dramatic last-lap win at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026. The victory was sealed with a crucial assist from teammate Riley Herbst, who pushed Reddick’s #45 Toyota Camry XSE to the front.
Michael Jordan Praises Team Effort in Historic Daytona Victory
Tyler Reddick’s Daytona 500 triumph marked a milestone for both himself and 23XI Racing, winning the prestigious race for the first time in team history. Following the race, Michael Jordan candidly celebrated the success, applauding the teamwork that secured the final lap advantage.
In the closing moments, Carson Hocevar was leading until Zane Smith’s push caused him to spin, allowing Chase Elliott to overtake. Ultimately, Herbst’s crucial push propelled Reddick ahead, but Herbst himself crashed shortly after, sending the race into chaotic conclusion moments before the checkered flag.
Reflecting on the win, Jordan shared his excitement:
“I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
He went on to credit Herbst’s efforts and the solid team strategy that day:
“I thought Riley did a really unbelievable job by pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do. He won’t get enough credit, but we feel the love. We understand exactly what he did. We just hung in there all day. We had a great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end.”
Strong Team Performance Highlights 23XI Racing’s Daytona Showing
Besides Reddick’s win, 23XI Racing saw multiple strong finishes among their drivers. Bubba Wallace ended the race in tenth place just behind Josh Berry, while Riley Herbst secured eighth overall. The team also included 2025 Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim, who finished twenty-eighth in his race debut.
This collective effort demonstrated 23XI Racing’s growing competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series, reinforcing their status as a formidable team under the ownership of Michael Jordan. The successful partnership between Reddick, Herbst, Wallace, and Heim positioned them well for the remainder of the 2026 season as races and rivalries intensify.
Implications of the Daytona 500 Victory for Reddick and 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick’s victory not only marks the pinnacle of his career so far but also elevates 23XI Racing’s prominence in the NASCAR world. The visible harmony within the team and the supportive dynamic with Michael Jordan strengthen their reputation amid the sport’s competitive landscape.
While online controversies momentarily distracted attention, the focus swiftly returns to Reddick’s driving prowess and the cohesive teamwork that defined the Daytona 500 outcome. Moving forward, the team will seek to leverage this momentum into further successes throughout the 2026 season, where every push and strategic decision will be under close watch.
🚨 It Was a Scratch. The Internet Made It a Scandal.
Michael Jordan helped a kid who said he was itchy after getting doused in champagne at Daytona. That’s it.
No conspiracy.
No tie to recently released files.
No hidden agenda.Just MJ pulling a shirt away and scratching a… pic.twitter.com/LCpTiVzL1q
— 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) February 16, 2026
