NASCAR’s Tyler Reddick addresses Michael Jordan viral moment with son after Daytona 500 win
Jordan came under fire after his interaction with the child sparked debate about inappropriate touch
Tyler Reddick has responded to online discussion surrounding Michael Jordan’s interaction with his six-year-old son following his Daytona 500 victory.
After securing the biggest win of his NASCAR career with a last-lap pass in Florida, attention shifted from the dramatic finish to a viral video featuring Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, celebrating in Victory Lane.
In the clip, Jordan appears to reach towards Reddick’s son Beau during the celebrations. Some viewers expressed outrage and concern at Jordan touching the child inappropriately, while others suggested he was brushing ice from the child’s shirt amid sprayed drinks.
Speaking on Stephen A. Smith’s Sirius XM radio show days later, Reddick dismissed any suggestion of wrongdoing.
“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,” Reddick said.
Reflecting on the occasion, he added, “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.”
Reddick continued, “And I just put that off to the side and think about the look on 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.”
Reddick, driving a Toyota for 23XI Racing, led only the final lap, becoming the 25th different driver to lead in the race, a Daytona 500 record. He and Jordan lifted the Harley J. Earl Trophy together.
