Radio Host Explains What Michael Jordan Was Doing to That Kid in Viral Daytona 500 Video
The Moment That Sparked Debate
Jordan’s 23XI Racing team secured its first Daytona 500 win on Sunday when Tyler Reddick passed Chase Elliott on the final lap, leading only the lap that mattered most. During the chaotic victory lane celebration.
The footage shows Jordan making repeated pinching motions at the lower back of the boy’s shirt, as if tugging or adjusting it. He also briefly brushes the back of the child’s leg.
The Defense: “Chunks of Ice Packed in the Kid’s Back”
Radio personality and podcaster Bubba “The Love Sponge” Clem quickly offered an explanation during his show Monday, suggesting Jordan was simply removing ice that had slipped down the child’s shirt during the wild celebration.
Other supporters echoed this interpretation. One X user noted, “The kid was drenched during the celebration with water and ice along with the confetti. Zoomed in you can see Jordan is clearly tugging on the shirt” .
The Backlash: “I Can’t Think of a Single Scenario Where This Is Okay”
Critics were equally vocal. One user wrote, “I cannot think of a single scenario where this is okay. Not even one” . Another commented, “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” . On Reddit, one user wrote, “This is wrong. Point blank. Touching someone you don’t know especially a child isn’t okay” .
Barstool Sports’ Kevin Clancy offered a stark assessment: “That MJ video is a real problem man. A reaaal problem.
The Context: A Historic Win Nearly Overshadowed
Jordan was emotional after the race. “I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say,” he said. “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know” .
The win also carried personal weight for Reddick, who went winless last year while focused on his infant son Rookie, who had a tumor in his chest that affected his heart .
Where Things Stand
Neither Jordan, his representatives, NASCAR, nor 23XI Racing have issued official statements addressing the controversy . The Reddick family has also remained silent, and no formal complaints have emerged.
Jordan is unlikely to ever address this directly. He’s not known for being outspoken and typically stays away from media scrutiny .
