FOX SPORTS
Denny Hamlin is speaking out after Michael Jordan awkwardly choked him after a race.
Over the weekend, Jordan’s 23XI driver Tyler Reddick won his fifth race of the season, and the NBA legend was hyped.
“This kid is on fire. I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I can cool him down,” Jordan said. “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.”
After the race, Jordan creeped everyone out when he grabbed 23X1 minority owner, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin by the neck before kissing him.
Michael Jordan Sparks Controversy With Neck Grab After Tyler Reddick’s 5th Win 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/EqHpCOqkba
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) April 20, 2026
Hamlin reacted to the video by saying that he was talking trash to Jordan all weekend long before eventually losing to Reddick.
“I was telling him all weekend that we were gonna win. He was very happy about all the sh-t I talked to him. I know it’s hard to believe but I talk a lot of trash to him. When it’s head-to-head he wants to see the 23XI drivers beat me because I talk that trash.”