Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Help Goes Awry as $65 Million-Worth NASCAR Partner Faces Scathing Rejection From Victim Frenemy

Now that they’re business partners, 23XI Racing team owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin hang out a lot out at the racetracks. So maybe the retired NBA pro facilitated Hamlin’s recent attempt to maintain peace in the racing world. Clashes are bound to happen on the basketball court as well as the tracks. Sometimes they could fracture friendships, something that Hamlin was trying to prevent.

Hamlin goes way back with fellow racer, Kyle Larson. But there was a literal clash between them on the Pocono Raceway. The former attempted to make things right but Larson is not impressed.

Denny Hamlin tries to fix a friendship via Michael Jordan

Things got complicated at the Pocono Raceway when Denny Hamlin pushed Kyle Larson’s Chevrolet into the wall to take the lead. Things are obviously sore between these longtime friends. But Hamlin is determined to rectify that.

Hamlin, under Joe Gibbs, achieved his 50th NASCAR Cup win. In contrast, Larson finished in 20th place. But the new businessman’s victory was marred with many fans and NASCAR veterans criticizing his move. Larson is still bitter about it too.

Hamlin sent Larson an apology present disguised as a birthday gift. And what a gift it was. He gave Larson a pair of expensive Jordan shoes from His Airness’ exclusive golf club, Grove XXIII.

Valued at around $20 million, Jordan’s passion for golf makes it a very prestigious venture to be associated with. As co-owners of 23XI Racing, Hamlin seems to get exclusive golf privileges at Jordan’s club.

READ MORE: 5 Times Kamui Kobayashi Proved Worthy of Michael Jordan’s Attention

So, did it fix his friendship with Larson? Tragically, no.

Kyle Larson is less than thrilled about the present

A pair of exclusive shoes aren’t enough to fix Larson’s feelings, though. He’s playing a little hard to get as he revealed in a recent interview.

When asked if the gift made peace between them, Larson said, “…in his [Hamlin] mind it did.” When pressed, Larson was initially vague, saying, “I don’t know.” But he wouldn’t say he was outrightly upset either. He even suggested they should ask Hamlin if it’s enough.

He liked the present itself and the thought. Yet a heavy ‘but’ lingered in his voice. “I appreciate the thought but I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do all the time.” Ouch! It looks like Larson will need a little more time.

Meanwhile, Hamlin continues to get flak for his dirty move. He was on Jared Allen’s show discussing Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney’s recent clash. Even the host used the incident to take jabs at Hamlin shoving Larson.

WATCH THIS STORY | 5-Time NBA All-Star and Former Cup Champ Warns Chase Elliott and Co After Being Outperformed by an Outsider

“Give me a break,” a frustrated Hamlin groaned. Would you melt if you got an exclusive MJ-gift? Tell us in the comments!