The NASCAR world is buzzing with speculation as reports emerge that Michael Jordan, the basketball legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, is contemplating a seismic decision: parting ways with driver Bubba Wallace. The news, first reported by sources close to the team, has sent shockwaves through the racing community, fueled by a string of controversies surrounding Wallace, including a reported violent reaction that has raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates about the future of Jordan’s NASCAR venture.

Bubba Wallace, the only Black driver competing at NASCAR’s top level, has been a polarizing figure since joining 23XI Racing in 2021. Co-owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, the team was founded with a mission to diversify the sport and compete at the highest level. Wallace, hailed as a trailblazer for his advocacy against racial injustice, including his push to ban the Confederate flag at NASCAR events, has been a cornerstone of that vision. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his tenure, putting his future with the team in jeopardy.

According to a report from usa.otoarizasi.com, Jordan is seriously considering firing Wallace following a series of incidents that have drawn intense scrutiny. The tipping point, insiders say, was an explosive confrontation in the garage area after a disappointing race finish. Witnesses described Wallace shoving a crew member and shouting profanities in front of fans and media, an outburst that quickly went viral. “The incident was the final straw,” a source close to 23XI Racing revealed, noting that Jordan, known for his no-nonsense approach to performance and discipline, had grown increasingly frustrated with Wallace’s behavior.

Wallace’s tenure with 23XI has been marked by flashes of brilliance on the track, including two career wins, one at Talladega in 2021 and a standout victory at the Brickyard 400 in 2025, which ended a 100-race winless streak. “I’m so happy for Bubba and our entire 23XI Racing team,” Jordan said in a statement following the Talladega win, calling it a “huge milestone” for the organization. Yet, despite these highs, Wallace’s career has been punctuated by inconsistency and controversy. His failure to make the Cup Series playoffs in 2024, despite five top-five finishes, added pressure to an already strained relationship with the team’s leadership.

The recent garage altercation wasn’t the first time Wallace’s actions have raised concerns. In 2024, NASCAR fined him $100,000 and deducted 50 points for slowing down during the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville, a move perceived as helping teammate Christopher Bell gain a better position. While Wallace claimed tire issues, the incident fueled accusations of gamesmanship, with NASCAR officials unmoved by his explanation. “We don’t agree with the decision, but we will not push back,” 23XI Racing stated at the time, signaling their reluctance to escalate the matter further. This incident, combined with earlier moments of frustration, such as Wallace lowering his window net and unplugging his radio during a race at Pocono in 2025, has painted a picture of a driver struggling to manage the pressures of the sport.

Jordan, whose competitive drive made him a six-time NBA champion, has brought that same intensity to NASCAR. Sources say he has been patient with Wallace, offering multiple opportunities to align with the team’s expectations of professionalism. “Jordan expects results and sets the standards,” Wallace himself acknowledged in a 2024 interview with Fox News Digital, describing his boss as a “harsh but fair” leader who demands accountability. Yet, the recent viral video of Wallace’s outburst has put Jordan in a difficult position, forcing him to weigh the driver’s talent against the potential damage to the team’s reputation.

The controversy comes at a pivotal moment for 23XI Racing, which is embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France. The team, alongside Front Row Motorsports, has accused the organization of monopolistic practices, particularly regarding the charter system that guarantees race entries and revenue. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, has already led to legal setbacks, with a federal judge denying 23XI’s request to race as a chartered team in 2025. “We are disappointed that the court declined to grant 23XI and Front Row Motorsports a temporary restraining order,” said Jeffrey Kessler, the teams’ attorney, emphasizing their commitment to continue competing as open teams. This legal battle has added complexity to Jordan’s decision-making, as firing Wallace could further destabilize the team during an already turbulent period.

Wallace’s supporters argue that he faces unique challenges in a sport with a historically conservative fanbase. “Bubba gave it everything he had. Got caught up in something that wasn’t his doing; things happen,” one fan posted on X, defending the driver after his playoff-ending crash at the Southern Cookout 500 in 2024. Others, however, have criticized Wallace for failing to acknowledge teammate Tyler Reddick’s regular-season championship win that same weekend, accusing him of being self-absorbed. “This guy is so wrapped up in himself that he didn’t even say congrats to Tyler Reddick,” a fan remarked, highlighting the polarized reactions Wallace often elicits.

The possibility of Wallace’s departure has sparked speculation about his replacement. Names like John Hunter Nemechek and Corey LaJoie have surfaced, though no official confirmation has been made. For Jordan and Hamlin, the decision is about more than just one driver—it’s about preserving the integrity and long-term success of 23XI Racing. “We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning,” Jordan and Hamlin stated in a joint release about their lawsuit, a sentiment that underscores their high expectations for the team’s performance and conduct.

Wallace, for his part, has remained defiant amid the rumors. In a 2023 interview with Complex, he addressed speculation about Jordan’s expectations with characteristic candor: “What’s he going to do? Kick me off the race team? If he wants to, that’s his choice.” This boldness, while admired by some, may have contributed to the current rift. Yet, Wallace’s contributions to 23XI cannot be overlooked. His Brickyard 400 win was a testament to his talent, with Jordan calling him afterward to express pride, even though he wasn’t at the race. “He was just so proud,” Wallace shared on Stacking Pennies, recalling their conversation. “I wish you were here for it, he was like, he’s going to have a drink or two for me tonight.”

As the NASCAR community awaits an official statement from 23XI Racing, the situation remains fluid. Will Jordan, known for his ruthless competitiveness, pull the trigger on firing Wallace, or will he give the driver another chance to redeem himself? The answer could reshape the trajectory of 23XI Racing and Wallace’s career, marking a defining moment in Jordan’s foray into motorsport. For now, the racing world watches closely, captivated by the drama unfolding off the track as much as the action on it.