The sensational claim circulating online—”NEVER ASK ME TO COME BACK, YOU DON’T DESERVE IT”—attributed to NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, announcing his departure from the United States and sparking a supposed media frenzy, followed by Michael Jordan releasing “black evidence” backstage to silence him—appears to be a fabricated or heavily exaggerated rumor originating from unverified social media posts and clickbait-style Facebook pages.

As of February 18, 2026, no credible news outlets, NASCAR official statements, or reliable sports journalism sources (including FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports, NASCAR.com, or major publications like Sports Business Journal) have reported any such announcement, departure, or dramatic confrontation involving Wallace and Jordan.

Bubba Wallace, the driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing—co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—remains an active competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series. Recent coverage from the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway paints a very different picture. In the Daytona 500 held on February 15, 2026, Wallace’s teammate Tyler Reddick delivered a thrilling last-lap victory, marking 23XI Racing’s first Daytona 500 win and Jordan’s first as a NASCAR team owner. Wallace himself had a strong showing, leading a race-high 40 laps and finishing 10th despite mixed emotions.

Post-race interviews captured Wallace expressing frustration at not winning what he called “the best Daytona 500 I’ve ever run,” but he celebrated Reddick’s triumph alongside Jordan in Victory Lane. Jordan was seen hugging Wallace, offering encouragement, and describing the moment as “a whole new beginning” for the sport.

Wallace has publicly spoken positively about Jordan in recent days. Ahead of the Daytona 500, he revealed meeting Jordan on the golf course, where the NBA icon advised him to “wipe the slate from 2025 clean” and focus on the new season. Wallace described the interaction as motivational, emphasizing a “clean slate” and readiness to compete. There is no evidence of any rift, firing, or backstage “evidence” release. Instead, reports highlight the team’s unity after a challenging 2025 that included an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR (settled in late 2025, granting permanent charters to teams like 23XI) and ongoing performance pressures.

The viral phrase and narrative seem to stem from a pattern of sensational, low-credibility Facebook posts and meme-style content farms (e.g., pages posting dramatic “BREAKING NEWS” with identical wording across unrelated topics like retirements, firings, or feuds involving Wallace, Kyle Busch, or others). These often recycle templates—”shocking announcement,” “tears,” “silenced by evidence”—to generate engagement, but lack substantiation from primary sources. Similar hoaxes have targeted Wallace before, amplified by his high-profile status as NASCAR’s most prominent Black driver and his history of drawing attention (including the 2020 noose incident at Talladega and advocacy efforts).

In reality, Wallace’s 2026 season is underway with optimism. 23XI Racing secured sponsorships (e.g., Hardee’s replacing McDonald’s on certain entries), and the Daytona win boosted morale. Wallace, now in his sixth full Cup Series season with the team he joined in 2021, has expressed commitment to disrupting the “big three” (Hendrick, Penske, Joe Gibbs) and building consistency. Recent controversies around the team have centered on the antitrust case (where Wallace supported the push for fairer charters) and a minor viral debate over Jordan’s post-race interaction with Reddick’s young son during celebrations—quickly dismissed by Reddick and commentators like Stephen A.

Smith as overblown “algorithm amplification” with no wrongdoing.

Wallace has faced criticism and online hate throughout his career, often racially charged, but he continues to race competitively. His future with 23XI appears stable, with no confirmed contract issues or departures reported as of mid-February 2026. Jordan’s involvement remains supportive, as evidenced by public appearances and statements celebrating team success.

This rumor fits a broader trend of fake NASCAR “breaking news” designed for clicks, often involving Wallace due to his visibility. Fans and observers should rely on verified sources like NASCAR’s official channels, team announcements, or established media for accurate updates. As the Cup Series moves forward—next race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23—Wallace is expected to continue driving the No. 23, chasing wins and building on the momentum from Daytona.

The sensational claim circulating online—”NEVER ASK ME TO COME BACK, YOU DON’T DESERVE IT”—attributed to NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, announcing his departure from the United States and sparking a supposed media frenzy, followed by Michael Jordan releasing “black evidence” backstage to silence him—appears to be a fabricated or heavily exaggerated rumor originating from unverified social media posts and clickbait-style Facebook pages.

As of February 18, 2026, no credible news outlets, NASCAR official statements, or reliable sports journalism sources (including FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports, NASCAR.com, or major publications like Sports Business Journal) have reported any such announcement, departure, or dramatic confrontation involving Wallace and Jordan.

Bubba Wallace, the driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing—co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—remains an active competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series. Recent coverage from the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway paints a very different picture. In the Daytona 500 held on February 15, 2026, Wallace’s teammate Tyler Reddick delivered a thrilling last-lap victory, marking 23XI Racing’s first Daytona 500 win and Jordan’s first as a NASCAR team owner. Wallace himself had a strong showing, leading a race-high 40 laps and finishing 10th despite mixed emotions.

Post-race interviews captured Wallace expressing frustration at not winning what he called “the best Daytona 500 I’ve ever run,” but he celebrated Reddick’s triumph alongside Jordan in Victory Lane. Jordan was seen hugging Wallace, offering encouragement, and describing the moment as “a whole new beginning” for the sport.

Wallace has publicly spoken positively about Jordan in recent days. Ahead of the Daytona 500, he revealed meeting Jordan on the golf course, where the NBA icon advised him to “wipe the slate from 2025 clean” and focus on the new season. Wallace described the interaction as motivational, emphasizing a “clean slate” and readiness to compete. There is no evidence of any rift, firing, or backstage “evidence” release. Instead, reports highlight the team’s unity after a challenging 2025 that included an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR (settled in late 2025, granting permanent charters to teams like 23XI) and ongoing performance pressures.

The viral phrase and narrative seem to stem from a pattern of sensational, low-credibility Facebook posts and meme-style content farms (e.g., pages posting dramatic “BREAKING NEWS” with identical wording across unrelated topics like retirements, firings, or feuds involving Wallace, Kyle Busch, or others). These often recycle templates—”shocking announcement,” “tears,” “silenced by evidence”—to generate engagement, but lack substantiation from primary sources. Similar hoaxes have targeted Wallace before, amplified by his high-profile status as NASCAR’s most prominent Black driver and his history of drawing attention (including the 2020 noose incident at Talladega and advocacy efforts).

In reality, Wallace’s 2026 season is underway with optimism. 23XI Racing secured sponsorships (e.g., Hardee’s replacing McDonald’s on certain entries), and the Daytona win boosted morale. Wallace, now in his sixth full Cup Series season with the team he joined in 2021, has expressed commitment to disrupting the “big three” (Hendrick, Penske, Joe Gibbs) and building consistency. Recent controversies around the team have centered on the antitrust case (where Wallace supported the push for fairer charters) and a minor viral debate over Jordan’s post-race interaction with Reddick’s young son during celebrations—quickly dismissed by Reddick and commentators like Stephen A.

Smith as overblown “algorithm amplification” with no wrongdoing.

Wallace has faced criticism and online hate throughout his career, often racially charged, but he continues to race competitively. His future with 23XI appears stable, with no confirmed contract issues or departures reported as of mid-February 2026. Jordan’s involvement remains supportive, as evidenced by public appearances and statements celebrating team success.

This rumor fits a broader trend of fake NASCAR “breaking news” designed for clicks, often involving Wallace due to his visibility. Fans and observers should rely on verified sources like NASCAR’s official channels, team announcements, or established media for accurate updates. As the Cup Series moves forward—next race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23—Wallace is expected to continue driving the No. 23, chasing wins and building on the momentum from Daytona.

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