When Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and global icon, stepped into a Charlotte federal courtroom to testify for 23XI Racing against NASCAR, it was not to relive his past glories but to wage a battle that reflected his serious business edge. This is why he didn\u2019t go easy, even against Bob Pockrass, one of the most recognizable journalists in the sport.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit began as an antitrust lawsuit complaint in October 2024 and reached a settlement earlier month. 23XI Racing<\/a>, co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin<\/a>, argued that NASCAR\u2019s business model was monopolistic and sought relief from the same. After eight days of trial and negotiation, the case ended in terms that were largely favorable for Cup Series teams.<\/p>\n Pockrass, a Fox Sports reporter and insider, was one of the most consistent and notable voices throughout this sequence. But unlike most others reporting on the matter, Pockrass drew a direct and rare rebuke from Jordan himself. <\/p>\n According to insiders, the basketball star publicly called the reporter out for covering stories that were leaning closer to NASCAR\u2019s perspective of the matter.<\/p>\n Pockrass addressed this during a conversation on the Awful Announcing Podcast. He confirmed that Jordan had singled him out during the trial while discussing broader media coverage, but remained calm and collected over why he might have done so. He said, \u201cWe have a little bit of an arrogant saying in our business. If you don\u2019t want it printed, don\u2019t let it happen. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you\u2019re in this business, and you\u2019re commentating, and you\u2019re writing, you shouldn\u2019t be surprised if somebody\u2026 Emotions are high in this lawsuit. It\u2019s a lot of money for a lot of people. Jordan was risking the future of his team by making this lawsuit. He had over 100 employees counting on him to win the lawsuit.\u201d <\/p>\n