Michael Jordan has once again found himself at the center of a viral moment, this time during a NASCAR celebration that left fans both stunned and confused.
The incident comes just two months after he sparked uproar over his interaction with Tyler Reddick’s young son, making his latest actions an even bigger talking point online.
Michael Jordan Sparks Controversy With Neck Grab After Tyler Reddick’s 5th Win 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/EqHpCOqkba
It was supposed to be a triumphant moment for 23XI Racing, but Michael Jordan’s celebration quickly overshadowed the win itself.
As Tyler Reddick secured a dramatic victory at Kansas Speedway, Jordan rushed toward his co-owner Denny Hamlin in a burst of excitement.
What followed, however, caught many off guard. Jordan wrapped his hand around Hamlin’s throat in a choking gesture before planting a kiss on his head.
While the team celebrated yet another strong performance, Hamlin’s expression appeared far from enthusiastic, creating a stark contrast that fueled immediate reactions across social media.
The unusual display turned what should have been a routine victory celebration into a moment of intrigue and debate.
The reaction online was swift and divided, with fans questioning the intent behind the interaction.
Many viewers felt the moment crossed into awkward territory, especially given Hamlin’s visible frustration after finishing outside the top positions.
One fan wrote, “It’s pretty demeaning how he grabs him by the throat and pats him on the head like a good little boy.”
Another questioned the scene, asking, “Why is he holding his neck? He doesn’t look happy.”
Others echoed the confusion, with one observer saying, “That was the weirdest exchange ever,” while another added, “This is d-mb. Denny is a competitor. It would be weird if he wasn’t disappointed.”
The questions kept coming as more fans weighed in, with one simply asking, “Why did he grab his neck like that?”
The moment quickly gained traction online, turning into one of the most talked-about highlights of the race weekend.
"This kid is on fire."- Michael Jordan and @23XIRacing are on an incredible run in 2026. https://t.co/fBj3pVTEO9 pic.twitter.com/Ck87PaIwHI
Despite the controversy, Michael Jordan made it clear that competition remains at the heart of everything he does.
Speaking after the race, he acknowledged the unique dynamic of competing against his own co-owner.
“I mean. Look, I am racing against Denny. So, I really wanted to beat him. Because I know we’re going to talk a lot of trash a little bit later, but it was a good race!” Jordan said per the Daily Mail.
The comment offered a glimpse into the competitive relationship between Jordan and Hamlin, who co-own 23XI Racing but compete against each other on the track.