What to Know
When you’re in the public eye — and even when you’re not, it’s always important to be mindful of how you’re interacting with children ensuring every behavior is appropriate and respectful. Sometimes though, things can easily get misconstrued. Michael Jordan’s behavior toward a young NASCAR fan at Daytona 500 has caught many eyes on social media as they wonder if the former NBA star’s physical interaction was inappropriate.
Michael Jordan’s behavior with a young boy at the Daytona 500 raises some questions on social media.
It was an exciting day for 63-year-old former NBA star, Michael Jordan, as Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 in a car co-owned by Michael for the 23XI Racing team, per Sportsnet.
Amid all that excitement and celebrating, fans on Reddit are zeroing on footage caught that appears to be Michael grabbing at the back of the shirt and right underneath the shorts of a young boy.
Is it entirely appropriate behavior or just a simple misunderstanding though?
Several Reddit commenters take issue with this kind of interaction between an adult and a young boy.
With five children of his own and leading a very public life while playing in the NBA for over a decade, one would hope that Michael Jordan would have no ill intent while interacting with children.
However, some Redditors took a look at the video posted of Michael at the Daytona 500 and felt uneasy about it. One Redditor wrote “normalize teaching men that you have no right to expect to be able to touch anyone. Ever.”
Another Redditor commented on how individuals are posting this type of “out of context clips” to social media “for engagement” or to make it look like “something nefarious” is going on. It’s looking like this is very likely the case here.
Some Redditors give context for the interaction in the video and how it was a harmless.
Whenever you see a viral clip like this, it’s important to think about context. Several Redditors on the thread provided just that as they noted that the young boy that Michael is grabbing at is likely the Nascar driver, Tyler Reddick’s son.
Comment
by u/Maximum_Expert92 from discussion
in Fauxmoi
The individual explains that “they had just won the Daytona 500” and Michael is “very close with the family, including the son.” Apparently, the boy had “ice from the Gatorade bath in his clothing” and Michael was just helping him get it out from the back of his shirt and shorts.
Another comment reads “it looks horrible, but given the context, it’s really not that bad at all.” We would have to agree that it’s just a moment of a playful adult helping a child in a moment of need.
