“Don’t See Michael Jordan in His Hey-Day”: Renowned NASCAR Insider Dismisses Bubba Wallace’s Cry for Help Using His Billionaire Team Owner’s Reference

Bubba Wallace probably didn’t think through the words that came out of his mouth after he crashed out early from the COTA Cup race last weekend. Wallace broke his #23 Toyota Camry’s toe link and the oil line after he bumped into the back of Kyle Larson.

After his day ended early, Wallace claimed he was trying his hardest “not to go down that slippery slope of self-doubt.” But then he went a step further and said something any team owner or sponsor wouldn’t want their driver to say.

“Two weeks in a row making rookie mistakes. Six years in the Cup. Need to be replaced,” he said about himself. 

This was something that Brett Griffin, the spotter for Justin Haley, thought not only he shouldn’t have said, but he also should’ve considered the example of his boss, Michael Jordan.

Bubba Wallace is still “the guy” at 23XI Racing

In a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Brett Griffin opened up on his thoughts on Bubba Wallace’s comments in Austin. Griffin pointed toward the “hard thing” about NASCAR which is the fact that CMOs who allocate budgets to fund sponsorships can change their minds in an instant for better or worse.

The spotter said this is even more important for someone like Wallace because he is the guy. “He’s the longest-tenured driver at 23XI Motorsports, I mean, even though you’re a young company, he’s still your longest-tenured guy.

“And he’s what allowed you to really start a company,” he said of Wallace.

“Bubba was garnering a lot of sponsorships, a lot of attention; and he’s a talented guy.”

WATCH THIS STORY: $630 Million Giant Is Giving NASCAR Fans an Exclusive Opportunity to Meet Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick

Michael Jordan wouldn’t have done what Wallace did

Having said that, Griffin thought that when someone like Bubba Wallace goes on to say things along the lines of what he said in COTA, it’s not good for him, his team, and everyone involved in that venture.

“I think he probably wishes he wouldn’t have said it, he tends to wear his feelings on the sleeve. And some of these interviews, you just gotta be more aware of what you’re talking about, and how you’re saying, and you’re putting yourself,” Griffin claimed.

“Because, I mean, I don’t see Michael Jordan in his hey-day of missing a shot to win a game and be like, ‘I should’ve made the shot. I need to be replaced.'”

Also Read: Months After Bubba Wallace Replaced Him, Kurt Busch Was Left Awestruck by Billionaire Michael Jordan: “Puts His Hands Down on the Table”