23XI owner Michael Jordan calls out NASCAR attorney for 'not wearing your Jordans today' during testimony

Not everything in an antitrust lawsuit has to be serious. Just ask Michael Jordan. He finished up his testimony with some charm. Jordan is one of the most famous people alive. Even if you don’t know much about him, you know the name. That could factor in a lot in this NASCAR case.

Michael Jordan is a cultural icon. His influence on the sports world is undeniable. That’s not to mention his influence on fashion and culture more broadly.

Lawrence Buterman is a well-known antitrust attorney. He is representing NASCAR in this case and took the role of cross-examining Jordan this afternoon. Before Jordan left the stand, he pointed out that Buterman wasn’t in his usual sneakers, which he wears with his suits in court.

“You’re not wearing your Jordans today,” Michael Jordan said to the attorney, via Matt Weaver of Motorsport. “I’m not,” Buterman replied, as the court laughed.

Getting a little bit of points with the jury is never a bad thing. Coming off as likable and relatable is going to be a factor in the lawsuit. It isn’t just about being right about the law, but being able to tell a story and, at times, put on a show for the jury.

Right before Michael Jordan testified, Heather Gibbs was on the stand. Her testimony was very emotional and passionate. It was rather heavy, all things considered. Following that up with a more lighthearted Jordan was not the worst idea from Jeffrey Kessler.

Michael Jordan apologizes to Denny Hamlin

While on the stand today, Michael Jordan was able to come off as likable and even took time to joke about his co-owner. 23XI Racing, owned by Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Curtis Polk, is suing NASCAR over antitrust claims, along with Front Row Motorsports.

Michael Jordan likely came off as charming in his testimony. It sounds like NASCAR’s attorneys took it easier on him than they did perhaps with Denny Hamlin.

Speaking of Hamlin, Jordan brought up his friend and business partner. When asked about his NASCAR fandom, the NBA legend went through his bonafides.

“Richard Petty was originally Jordan’s favorite driver because that’s who Jordan’s father rooted for, but Jordan eventually transitioned to rooting for Cale Yarborough,” Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reports.

Michael Jordan said Yarborough was the “original No. 11.” Then he quipped, “Sorry, Denny,” as Hamlin looked on in the courtroom.