NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick addressed the criticism surrounding Michael Jordan’s interaction with his young son, Beau, at the Daytona 500 podium last Sunday. Jordan, a co-owner of 23XI Racing, faced backlash after a clip circulated showing him appearing to pinch Beau’s lower back and brush his leg. Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show on Tuesday, Reddick expressed disagreement with the negative reactions, emphasizing the close relationship between the Jordan and Reddick families that has developed since he joined 23XI Racing in 2022.
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 [H/T Awful Announcing].
Reflecting on his first Daytona 500 victory, a major career milestone reached just months after 23XI Racing resolved an antitrust dispute with NASCAR, Reddick described the win as a pinnacle moment.
For me, it’s a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career,
he added.
Strong Bonds Between the Reddick and Jordan Families
Reddick pointed to other social media footage showing Michael Jordan’s wife, Yvette, celebrating warmly with Beau following the Daytona 500 win, underscoring the genuine connection between the families.
It’s a huge moment for my family and for his family, and I just put that off to the side and think about the look on (Michael Jordan’s wife) Yvette’s face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to victory lane too, and just how happy everybody was celebrating together,
he noted.
So, that’s where I’m at with it.
Historical Links Between Jordan and Reddick’s Family Deepen Context
Further reinforcing his defense, Reddick highlighted the longstanding connections between the two families. Jordan has previously been seen warmly interacting with Beau on multiple occasions, including after Reddick’s recent Talladega 500 victory. Adding to the depth of this relationship is the connection between Reddick’s wife’s father, Jose DeLeon, and Michael Jordan, who was teammates with DeLeon when Jordan briefly pursued baseball in the early 1990s.
In a 2024 interview, Reddick explained how these past ties include Jordan knowing his wife, Alexa, since she was a child.
I’ve seen a couple photos Alexa and her mom have [with Jordan],
Reddick shared with The Athletic.
But they did get to spend some time together during her dad’s time at the (Chicago) White Sox when Michael was a part of the White Sox spring training. They got to know each other through that. I think there’s even a picture — I could be wrong — of MJ holding Alexa as a baby. I feel like that’s a story I heard years ago.
But they had some interaction. I’ve never actually asked Michael about it. I’ve wanted to, but I just haven’t.
Jordan Has Yet to Address the Recent Controversy
Michael Jordan has not issued a public response to the recent criticism regarding his behavior at the Daytona 500. However, Reddick’s firm dismissal of the controversy stands as a strong counterpoint to allegations of inappropriate conduct by the NBA icon during the event. These remarks come as Jordan celebrated his 63rd birthday on the Tuesday following the race.
The longstanding friendship and trust between the Jordan and Reddick families, combined with clear moments of celebration together, suggest that this recent controversy may be unfounded. As the debate unfolds, Reddick’s defense could help ease tensions and shape public perception about the incident and the integrity of both families involved.
