NBA legend Michael Jordan was under fire after a video of him interacting with NASCAR racer Tyler Reddick’s son in Florida went viral, with many calling it inappropriate. Days later, however, Reddick himself came out in support of Jordan, defending him amid calls for his cancellation that were rampant on social media.
Reddick sat down with Stephen A. Smith to discuss his recent win at Daytona Beach, Florida. At one point during the conversation, Smith inquired about the “media backlash” stemming from Jordan’s celebration with Reddick’s family, including his young son.
Reddick told Smith that he and Jordan are close, given that the former basketballer owns 23XI Racing, Reddick’s racing organization. Regarding the controversy, he had this to say.
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.
The racer emphasized that he chose to focus on winning and celebrating his Florida race win rather than the backlash, which Smith had previously labeled “nonsense.”
Jordan Viral Clip Backlash
The interaction in question shows Michael Jordan pinching the boy’s shirt and scratching his legs as he celebrates Reddick’s Daytona 500 win. Many were quick to criticize the NBA legend, calling his interaction “creepy” or “weird.”
“Michael Jordan needs to be arrested for what he did with that child,” one user said. Another one asked, “What the [expletive] was Michael Jordan doing ON CAMERA with that LITTLE BOY????” A third one added, “Michael Jordan acting like Joe Biden out there.”
However, many more were adamant on defending Jordan, arguing that Reddick’s boy had just been doused with Gatorade, champagne, or even ice. Therefore, Jordan appeared to be helping him out with his clothes.
Stephen A. Smith even defended Jordan before he got to talk to Reddick, saying, “It’s a kid that Michael Jordan loves like it’s his own kid. It’s a kid that he’s known for years. That’s the son of a driver that just won the Daytona 500. It’s also a kid that Michael Jordan knows very, very well.”
Michael Jordan has yet to address the incident.
