Michael Jordan watching the action 2025 Ryder Cup, Day One, Afternoon Four-Balls, Golf, Bethpage Black Golf Course, New York, USA - 26 Sep 2025New York Bethpage Black Golf Course New York NY United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxCHNxDENxINDxITAxPORxESPxSWExTURxMEXxCOLxVENxPERxECUxBRAxARGxCHIxURUxPARxPANxONLY Copyright: xJamesxMarsh/Shutterstockx 15500200cl
Michael Jordan watching the action 2025 Ryder Cup, Day One, Afternoon Four-Balls, Golf, Bethpage Black Golf Course, New York, USA - 26 Sep 2025New York Bethpage Black Golf Course New York NY United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxCHNxDENxINDxITAxPORxESPxSWExTURxMEXxCOLxVENxPERxECUxBRAxARGxCHIxURUxPARxPANxONLY Copyright: xJamesxMarsh/Shutterstockx 15500200cl
Feb 26, 2026, 5:00 PM CUT
'It Was Not Me': Michael Jordan's NASCAR Involvement Dragged After Daytona 500
A recent victory for Michael Jordan's NASCAR team was overshadowed by controversy. 23XI's co-owner, Denny Hamlin, revealed an unnamed but prominent figure's harsh comments, igniting a fierce debate.
NASCAR insider and journalist Kelly Crandall revealed on X, writing:
“Amanda Ellis brings up Denny Hamlin's comments about the meeting in Daytona, where someone said Michael Jordan does nothing for NASCAR. She says that Reddit believes it was Mike Forde," said Crandall.
However, Forde denied it. "It was not me. I was not in that meeting, and I didn't say anything about Michael Jordan to Denny Hamlin. I'm flattered. I'm flattered people think I'm prominent enough ... first of all, if it were me, I can promise you that Denny Hamlin would have used my name," he said.
Even though Michael Jordan is an NBA legend, he has consistently supported his NASCAR team through its challenges. In fact, Jordan and his team just settled the antitrust lawsuit in December 2025.
On the brighter side, the 2026 NASCAR season has started with Michael Jordan’s team claiming victory at one of the season's most important races.
A comeback like this after a difficult and uncertain 2025 season puts him and his team, along with co-owner Denny Hamlin, in a much better position.
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, on his podcast, also reflected on the poor remark made towards Michael Jordan.
Denny Hamlin condemns the comment made against Jordan
“There was someone we had a meeting with in Daytona who said MJ does nothing for the sport. And it was a prominent figure in the sport. He also has a podcast.”
Denny Hamlin said in an episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin’s statement revealed how an NBA legend is seen and how his contribution is measured in NASCAR, which is different in everyone’s perspective.
But he also echoed the sentiment that no one has the authority to measure his efforts in the sport. The host of his podcast also condemned this remark and expressed Jordan’s commitment to NASCAR.
Follow the RFK Racing Digest for more updates.
Written by
Kaamna Dwivedi
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi