NBA legend Michael Jordan is facing criticism online after a moment from his Daytona 500 celebrations earlier this year went viral on social media.

Jordan celebrated a historic NASCAR victory on February 15 after 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500, giving the team its first triumph in “The Great American Race.”

Historic moment for 23XI Racing

Reddick secured the win during a dramatic finish at Daytona International Speedway, marking his ninth NASCAR Cup Series victory and a milestone achievement for Jordan’s racing organization.

Jordan co-owns 23XI Racing alongside NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin, with the team quickly becoming one of the sport’s top competitors since launching in 2021.

Following the race, Jordan expressed excitement over the achievement.

“I can’t even believe it, it was so gratifying,” he said afterward. “You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive.”

Reddick also praised Jordan and Hamlin for believing in him throughout his NASCAR career.

Viral clip sparks criticism online

Despite the celebration, attention later shifted to a clip involving Jordan and Reddick’s young son, Beau, during the post-race festivities.

In the video, Jordan could be seen tugging at the child’s shirt and touching parts of his lower body while speaking with him after champagne had been sprayed during the celebration.

Some viewers online described the interaction as inappropriate, with social media users heavily criticizing the former Chicago Bulls star after the clip spread online.

One user wrote, “After the week we just had…this is NOT a good look,” while another commented, “Straight to jail.”

Others claimed the footage appeared uncomfortable when viewed from certain camera angles.

Fans defend Jordan’s actions

Many fans, however, pushed back against the criticism and argued the interaction was completely innocent and taken out of context.

Several users pointed out that everyone involved in the celebration had been drenched in champagne and claimed Jordan was simply helping the child after he complained about feeling itchy.

“The boy said he was itchy, and Michael Jordan was helping him,” one social media user wrote.

Another added, “People are reading way too much into this.”

Jordan has not commented publicly

Neither Michael Jordan nor 23XI Racing has publicly addressed the backlash surrounding the viral clip.

The controversy has nevertheless overshadowed what was otherwise considered one of the biggest victories in the history of Jordan’s NASCAR team.

Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has increasingly expanded his presence in motorsports since entering NASCAR ownership alongside Hamlin.

The Daytona 500 victory marked one of the most significant achievements of his racing career outside basketball.