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Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, co-owners of 23XI Racing, talk on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

Michael Jordan entered the NASCAR athlete debate after Stephen A. Smith said NASCAR drivers do not qualify as athletes. The comment came during a heated segment earlier in the week and quickly spread across the sports world. Jordan, now a NASCAR team owner, did not stay quiet. Smith later revealed on his SiriusXM show that Michael Jordan contacted him directly to challenge the statement.

The exchange drew attention across both basketball and racing circles, especially as Michael Jordan’s team continues to compete at the highest level. The moment also brought renewed focus to how NASCAR drivers are viewed compared to athletes in other major sports.

Michael Jordan Challenges Stephen A. Smith Over NASCAR Athlete Debate

Stephen A. Smith made his stance clear while responding to a caller who mentioned Richard Petty in a discussion about all-time great athletes. Stephen A. Smith pushed back strongly in the NASCAR athlete debate.

“Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same. You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s, for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.”

Michael Jordan responded after hearing those comments. Stephen A. Smith later shared that Michael Jordan reached out to him directly.

“You know who wanted to correct me about the NASCAR thing? Michael Jordan. I argued with him! Because that’s how I feel! I’m being honest. That’s how I feel. That’s all, it’s not a crime. That’s what makes radio and sports talk.”

Michael Jordan has been involved in NASCAR since 2020, when he teamed up with Denny Hamlin to form 23XI Racing.

NASCAR Drivers Defend Sport After Stephen A. Smith’s NASCAR Comments

The reaction did not stop with Michael Jordan. NASCAR drivers also addressed Stephen A. Smith’s NASCAR comments and the broader debate about athletes in NASCAR.

Joey Logano rejected the claim and suggested the comments were meant to draw attention.

“People like that have to make comments to stay relevant,” Joey Logano said.

Kevin Harvick also responded and questioned Stephen A. Smith’s understanding of NASCAR drivers.

“Here’s the deal with Stephen A. Smith: this guy has no clue about racing. And I don’t mind people criticizing our sport or our drivers or our people, but if you don’t know anything about racing, just keep your opinion to yourself because you shouldn’t even have an opinion if you don’t know anything about a sport.”

The responses from NASCAR drivers showed a united stance within the sport following Stephen A. Smith’s comments.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Investment Grows With 23XI Racing Success

Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR has grown since launching 23XI Racing. His team reached a major milestone when Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500.

Michael Jordan reacted with emotion after the race.

“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying. You never know how these races will end. You just try to survive. We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic.”

That win placed Tyler Reddick at the top of the Cup Series standings at the time. It also marked a key moment for Michael Jordan’s team as it continued to compete in NASCAR.

The NASCAR athlete debate between Michael Jordan and Stephen A. Smith added another layer to the conversation around NASCAR drivers and how they are viewed.