Stephen A. Smith Calls Backlash Over Michael Jordan’s Daytona 500 Celebration “Ridiculous”

Michael Jordan found himself trending online following a celebratory moment at the Daytona 500 — but not for the reasons many expected.

After NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick secured a victory at the iconic Daytona 500 with Jordan’s team, 23XI Racing, a short video clip circulated online showing Jordan playfully interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son in Victory Lane. Some social media users criticized the moment, prompting debate across platforms.

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith addressed the situation directly on his show Straight Shooter, strongly dismissing the outrage.

“It’s a kid that Michael Jordan loves like his own,” Stephen A Smith said. “It’s a kid he’s known for years. If you see the footage, he’s holding the kid in his arms, walking around playing with him. Why would we jump to that conclusion?”

Smith argued that the backlash reflects a broader issue in today’s digital climate — where viral clips often generate instant judgments without context.

“In the process of holding people accountable, it should be based on facts, not feelings,” Smith continued. “We should stop acting like a viral moment is a verdict. Unfortunately, we’re living in an era where people are quick to convict in the court of public opinion.”

He went further, suggesting that “algorithmic amplification” and online incentives fuel outrage-driven narratives. Smith emphasized that Jordan’s decades-long public record and reputation should not be overshadowed by a brief celebratory clip.

“Today is his 63rd birthday. He just won the Daytona 500 as a team owner. He’s celebrating with a child while the father is standing right there. And that’s the conclusion people jump to?” Smith said. “I saw the video. It’s a non-story in my opinion.”

Stephen a smith defends michael jordan after the viral clip with the kid and people trying to damage his reputation pic.twitter.com/T2TULVxXQ0

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Tyler Reddick Responds to the Controversy

Reddick later joined Smith on SiriusXM and echoed a similar sentiment, downplaying the online reaction.

“From my perspective, I’ve gotten to know Michael and his family very well over the years I’ve been here with 23XI,” Reddick explained. “I don’t see what other people see when it comes to this.”

For Reddick, the focus remained on the magnitude of the win — a career-defining moment and a major milestone for both his family and Jordan’s racing organization.

“This is the biggest moment of my career,” he said. “It’s a huge moment for my family and his family. I think about the look on Yvette’s face and the whole group in Victory Lane and how happy everybody was celebrating together.”

As the clip continues circulating online, both Smith and Reddick appear united in their position: the celebration was exactly that — a celebration.