Michael Jordan Issues Stern Warning to NASCAR Amid Legal Battle
Basketball legend Michael Jordan has issued a strong warning to NASCAR, emphasizing his unwavering support for Curtis Polk, his longtime ally, in the ongoing legal dispute. Jordan’s stance underscores the personal nature of the conflict.
“If you are coming after Curtis, you are coming after (me),” Jordan stated through a spokesperson.
The dispute stems from an antitrust lawsuit filed in October by Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against the stock car series.
The Antitrust Lawsuit and Charter System
The lawsuit challenges NASCAR’s charter system, which guarantees charter holders financial assurances and a spot in the 36 Cup Series races. The plaintiffs argue that this system unfairly restricts competition by binding teams to the series, its tracks, and suppliers.
The filing brands NASCAR chairman Jim France and his family as “monopolistic bullies,” with the plaintiffs vowing to resist them and “refuse to be victims.”
NASCAR’s Countersuit and Accusations
NASCAR responded with a countersuit against 23XI Racing, Front Row, and Polk, a 23XI co-owner and Jordan’s long-time advisor. The countersuit accuses Jordan’s team of involvement in an “illegal cartel.”
Michael Jordan has warned NASCAR that he stands by his right-hand man Curtis Polk
Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit against NASCAR in October
The NBA legend’s business manager Polk (right) is singled out in NASCAR’s countersuit
The countersuit specifically targets Polk, Jordan’s business manager and partner, portraying him as the central figure orchestrating a potential mutiny. Polk is accused of threatening a boycott of the Daytona 500 qualifying races.
Jordan’s Defense of Polk
Jordan, through a spokeswoman, has made it clear that he fully supports Polk, stating that Polk’s actions are a reflection of the NBA icon’s position. Polk holds a stake in 23XI alongside Jordan and Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner.
“Curtis and MJ stand united. His perspective is if you are coming after Curtis, you are coming after him,” the spokeswoman said. “He doesn’t look at this as just business. It’s personal.”
NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates expressed a differing viewpoint. He told The Associated Press that he doesn’t “think Mr. Polk really understands the sport.”
He added, “He’s done a lot of things that might work in the NBA or might be OK in the NBA but just are not appropriate in NASCAR.”
Hamlin, reacting to Yates’ remarks, countered, “That’s like saying a chef doesn’t know how to cook. He’s built Michael Jordan’s empire for the last 30 years. The guy knows the business,” Hamlin stated.
“Curtis has just been fantastic for our team and certainly a pioneer, I believe, and a trailblazer for new ideas that our team uses every single time we hit the racetrack and how we do business.”
Polk has been Jordan’s advisor since 1989, managing Jordan’s financial and business affairs, family office, and related companies.
Jordan has vowed ‘to fight for a competitive market’ for all teams across the NASCAR world
Polk provided counsel to Jordan during the launch of Nike’s Jordan Brand in 1997 and served as an executive producer for “The Last Dance,” the acclaimed documentary series chronicling the Chicago Bulls and Jordan’s NBA career.
Potential Consequences and Current Situation
There are concerns that a favorable ruling for 23XI in court could lead to the dismantling of NASCAR’s charter system. The trial is scheduled for December.
Prior to last season’s playoffs, thirteen teams signed the charters after NASCAR presented a firm offer. However, 23XI and Front Row opted out – primarily due to a charter provision that prohibited teams from suing NASCAR – because they objected to the terms and wanted to retain the right to file antitrust claims.
Jordan has emphasized that his lawsuit against NASCAR is intended on behalf of all teams to ensure that even the smaller ones have equal opportunities and benefits as participants in the premier motorsports league in the United States.