michael jordan faces scrutiny after victory-lane interaction; Tyler Reddick defends moment
Tyler Reddick pushed back on the controversy surrounding michael jordan after a short, widely shared video captured the team owner celebrating with Reddick's six-year-old son in victory lane following the Daytona 500. Reddick says the moment was part of a shared celebration and should not overshadow the team's milestone win.
The clip that sparked debate
After a dramatic final lap delivered Reddick the Daytona 500 victory, footage circulated showing michael jordan in victory lane alongside the winning driver and his family. In one brief moment, Jordan can be seen reaching toward the child’s lower back and backside as celebrations unfolded. The clip quickly spread across social channels and prompted a wave of commentary.
Some viewers questioned Jordan’s gestures, while others defended him. Defenders suggested Jordan might have been trying to remove a piece of ice that had fallen down the boy’s shirt amid the chaotic celebrations. The exchange came amid jubilation: hugs, trophy hoisting and visible excitement from members of both families in the victory lane scene.
Reddick’s response and timeline
Reddick addressed the matter in a media appearance on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 5: 28 PM ET. He described his perspective as informed by a long relationship with Jordan and his family through their work together at the racing operation.
"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. He framed the episode as a minor part of a much bigger personal and professional milestone, noting the joy on the faces of both families in the immediate aftermath of the win.
Reddick emphasized the magnitude of the moment for everyone involved. "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, " he said. He urged that the focus remain on the accomplishment on the track rather than the brief, contested interaction in victory lane.
Reputational stakes and what comes next
The incident briefly overshadowed a landmark achievement: the team secured its first Daytona 500 victory under Jordan's co-ownership. Jordan, who turned 63 on Tuesday, also noted that he will receive a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday and even joked about ring size ahead of celebrations. While some social media users expressed discomfort with the gesture, the driver at the center of the win publicly downplayed alarm and asked people to consider the context of a family-focused celebration.
For the team and for Jordan, the priority in the near term appears to be managing the fallout while celebrating a major motorsports accomplishment. The victory itself — a culmination of strategy, teamwork and on-track execution — is likely to remain central to the season’s narrative, but the brief controversy serves as a reminder of how quickly moments in sports can become magnified and contested in public conversation.
As the track season continues, team officials and participants will be watching how public reaction evolves and whether the episode prompts any formal responses or clarifications. For now, Reddick’s comments put a personal endorsement on Jordan’s conduct in the moment and sought to refocus attention on the achievement that brought them together in victory lane.
