A video involving basketball legend and NASCAR team co-owner Michael Jordan has sparked widespread debate across social media following a historic victory at the Daytona 500. The footage, captured during post-race celebrations on Sunday, 15 February 2026, shows Jordan interacting with six-year-old Beau Reddick, the son of 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick. While the win marked a milestone for Jordanā€™s racing team, the 27-second clip has since shifted public attention away from the track.Ā Yaxel Lendeborg Viral Video Resurfaces Ahead of Michigan vs Purdue Top-10 Clash.

Context BehindĀ Michael Jordan Viral Video

The atmosphere in Victory Lane was jubilant after Tyler Reddick secured a dramatic last-lap win in the season-opening "Great American Race." Jordan, 63, was seen celebrating alongside driver Denny Hamlin and the rest of the 23XI crew, at one point comparing the achievement to winning an NBA championship.

WatchĀ Michael Jordan Video Going Viral

During the height of the festivities, cameras caught Jordan standing behind Beau Reddick. The video shows Jordan reaching toward the child's lower back and legs, making small pinching and tapping motions. At the time, the area was crowded with people and drenched in celebration spray and ice.

The clip quickly went viral, generating millions of views and sharply dividing opinion. Some observers on platforms such as X and Instagram labelled the interaction as "inappropriate" or "bizarre," with some users making unsubstantiated claims and drawing links to past controversies. However, a large segment of the public has defended Jordanā€™s actions, suggesting the footage lacks critical context.Ā Viral Gold Medalist Celebration Video: Shirtless Benjamin Karl Celebrates in Snow At 2026 Winter Olympics.

Just Playing Around

'Uncomfortable'

'Awkward Looking Moment'

'May look Worse on Live TV'

'Stop being Too Sensitive'

'Looks Playful'

Long-standing Family Ties

Defenders of the NBA Hall of Famer point to the deep relationship between Jordan and the Reddick family. Tyler Reddick has previously mentioned that Jordanā€™s connection with his family predates his professional career; Jordan reportedly knew Reddickā€™s late father-in-law, MLB pitcher JosĆ© DeLeĆ³n, during his own stint in professional baseball.

In 2024, Reddick confirmed that Jordan has known Beau since he was a baby, often engaging in playful interactions during race weekends. Neither Michael Jordan nor representatives for 23XI Racing have issued a formal statement regarding the viral video.

A Historic Achievement

The controversy comes amidst what should be a celebratory week for Jordan. The Daytona 500 win is the biggest victory to date for 23XI Racing since its formation in 2020. Speaking immediately after the race, Jordan told reporters: "It feels like I won a championship. Until I get my ring, I won't even know. I'm ecstatic."

The viral video continues to trend, though the conversation has begun to shift toward the technicalities of the race and the teamā€™s upcoming season schedule.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 17, 2026 05:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).