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Yesterday — 20 April 2026Main stream

Throat-Grabbing Michael Jordan Again Sparks Frenzy With His Strange Victory Act

Michael Jordan
MEGA

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 Celebrates Victory In Unusual Fashion

Michael Jordan Sparks Controversy With Neck Grab After Tyler Reddick’s 5th Win 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/EqHpCOqkba

— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) April 20, 2026

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.

Jordan’s Gesture Leaves Fans Confused

Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto are seen entering restaurant Pierluigi in Rome
MEGA

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.

Michael Jordan Speaks After Beating His Own Partner

"This kid is on fire."- Michael Jordan and @23XIRacing are on an incredible run in 2026. https://t.co/fBj3pVTEO9pic.twitter.com/Ck87PaIwHI

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 19, 2026

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.

While the celebration may have seemed odd to outsiders, it showed the intensity and rivalry that still drives Jordan’s approach to the sport.

Previous Michael Jordan Moment Still Fresh In Fans’ Minds

NASCAR star Tyler Reddick speaks out after Michael Jordan’s viral “interaction” with his 6-year-old son following the Daytona 500 win 👀
pic.twitter.com/38tl9lD1Wk

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 19, 2026

This latest incident comes not long after another viral moment involving Michael Jordan drew scrutiny.

Following Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory earlier this season, Jordan was seen interacting with the driver’s six-year-old son, Beau, in a way that sparked online debate.

In that instance, some viewers questioned his actions, while others defended him, suggesting he was simply trying to remove ice that had fallen into the child’s clothing during the celebration.

Reddick later addressed the situation, offering his own perspective.

“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,” he explained.

He continued, “For me, it’s a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career. It’s a huge moment for my family and for his family.”

Reddick also emphasized the emotional side of the celebration, adding, “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. So, that’s where I’m at with it.”

Dominant Win Keeps 23XI Racing In Spotlight

TYLER REDDICK GETS BACK BY KYLE LARSON TO WIN AT KANSAS! What a finish. That's FIVE wins in 2026 for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing. pic.twitter.com/iirLOSys2j

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 19, 2026

Amid the swirling attention, it is easy to overlook just how impressive the team’s performance was.

Reddick delivered a standout drive, surging past Kyle Larson in a thrilling overtime finish to secure yet another victory.

The win marked his fifth triumph in the opening nine races, placing him among elite company in NASCAR history.

It also highlighted the continued strength of 23XI Racing, with all four of its cars finishing inside the top 15.

Jordan himself could not hide his excitement about the team’s form. “This kid (Reddick) is on fire. I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I can cool him down,” he said.

He added, “When you win it’s always fun, and right now it’s fun for everybody at 23XI. Me being here and being able to see all the wins, I am so happy for the team.”

Reddick, meanwhile, acknowledged the expectations that come with having a high-profile owner like Jordan.

“Got to deliver for the boss man,” he said. “If he’s going to come hang out with us, we have to get him dubs.”

Even Hamlin, despite his frustration, recognized the bigger picture. When asked about his feelings after the race, he replied, “Obviously it’s not winning. It’s Cody Ware, six laps down, wrecking. I don’t know. Add it up.”

While the victory itself was undeniable, it was Michael Jordan’s now-viral celebration that ultimately stole the spotlight, adding yet another unforgettable chapter to his unpredictable presence in NASCAR.

The Throat-Grabbing Michael Jordan Again Sparks Frenzy With His Strange Victory Act first appeared on The Blast

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