Michael Jordan Responds To Stephen A. Smith's Divisive Claim About NASCAR

Michael Jordan has officially shared his thoughts on the brewing rivalry between ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and NASCAR.

A little over a week ago, a SiriusXM caller told Smith that NASCAR legend Richard Petty belongs on the Mount Rushmore of all-time great athletes. That led to Smith ranting about how NASCAR drivers aren't really athletes.

"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," Smith said. "Just because you gotta walk the course for 18 holes for four days, that don't make you an athlete. They're skilled players; they're elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? If you're out there doing stuff that grandmas and grandpas can do, I'm not gonna look at you that way."

Three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano quickly fired back at Smith's comments.

"People like that have to make comments to stay relevant," Logano said. "I mean, that's part of their game, right? They gotta make big moments so people watch. He got exactly what he wanted - he got you talking about it, the whole industry talking about it. Now he's relevant."

Former NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick also called out Smith for his "clueless" take.

"Here's the deal with Stephen A. Smith: this guy has no clue about racing," Harvick said. "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."

Michael Jordan's loyal to NASCAR.

Smith revealed on Friday's show that he received a message from Jordan, the co-owner of NASCAR's 23XI Racing.

"You know who wanted to correct me about the NASCAR thing? Michael Jordan," Smith said. "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."

It's no surprise that Jordan is siding with NASCAR. After Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 this past February, the six-time NBA champion told reporters that it felt like he won another title.

"I can't even believe it. It was so gratifying," Jordan said. "You never know how these races are going to 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."

Jordan has to be thrilled that Reddick is currently first (484 points) in the Cup Series standings. Bubba Wallace has also done a fine job representing 23XI Racing this season.

What he can't be thrilled about is Smith trying to diminish NASCAR drivers' accomplishments.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 7:37 AM.