Tyler Reddick talks about what happened with Michael Jordan and his child at the NASCAR race.
Tyler Reddick has spoken out after NBA legend Michael Jordan faced criticism over a moment with his son following Reddick’s big win at the Daytona 500.
Racing for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin, Reddick scored both his and the team’s first-ever win at this famous race. With a big push from teammate Riley Herbst, Reddick made a move on the last lap in his Chumba Casino Toyota to cross the finish line first, leading to a joyful celebration.
But after the race, a video clip caught attention on social media showing Jordan gently pinching the t-shirt of Beau Reddick, Tyler’s six-year-old son, which was wet from the champagne. Jordan then lightly touched the back of Beau’s legs playfully. Some people online thought this was inappropriate.
Even with the criticism, Reddick, who has a close relationship with Jordan, didn’t agree with those concerns. “I’ve gotten to know Michael and his family really well over the years with 23XI, and I don’t see what others are seeing,” Reddick told Stephen A. Smith on Sirius XM radio. “This was a huge moment for me, my family, and Jordan’s family. When I look at Yvette’s face—Michael’s wife—and everyone celebrating together, it’s clear how happy and genuine the moment was. That’s what I focus on.”
Reddick’s team also chose not to comment further when TMZ asked them about the clip.
Michael Jordan hasn’t spoken about the video yet but shared how thrilled he is to see his team win at Daytona. Jordan, famous for his six NBA championship rings, is now set to get a special seventh ring to celebrate this victory. The new ring will be diamond-studded, similar to Super Bowl rings, and will include a checkered flag and the 23XI Racing logo.
Both Reddick and Jordan will receive these rings, but no date has been announced for the ceremony.
After the win, Reddick told FOX, “You never know how a race will end; you’re just trying to hold on. Riley did an amazing job pushing at the end. It shows what teamwork can do. He doesn’t get enough credit, but we know how important he was. We stuck with the plan all day, and it gave us a chance to win. I’m over the moon—it feels like I won a championship. But I guess I won’t truly know until I get my ring.”
LADbible Group has reached out to both Jordan and Reddick’s teams for any further comments.