Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and veteran NASCAR driver, has publicly demanded a broadcaster apology after a recent lawsuit settlement favored his team. By calling out the coverage by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hamlin has intensified the debate about media accountability in the wake of high-profile legal battles in motorsports.
Hamlin Takes Aim at Media Coverage Following Legal Victory
Denny Hamlin’s demand for an apology follows the resolution of the much-discussed antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) against key players in NASCAR. The legal proceedings found favor with the teams, solidifying their rights within the sport. The situation, however, has left lingering questions about media fairness, with Hamlin arguing that broadcasters like FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio rushed to pass judgment before facts emerged and, after the result, failed to retract their earlier statements.
Hamlin has a history of addressing perceived bias, as demonstrated in a previous tweet in which he criticized the media’s response to legal developments.
“While censorship is a big topic in today’s media world, Channel 90 might be the poster child. An interview didn’t go the way they hoped after our attorney continued to state fact after fact even tho they tried their best to refute, they have since edited/deleted that interview off of their channels because the narrative doesn’t fit their beliefs. If that doesn’t convince you of the bias then nothing will.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
This sentiment bubbled to the surface again after the lawsuit was settled, with Hamlin taking a direct approach on social media:
“Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?”
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin)
The focus keyword “Denny Hamlin demands broadcaster apology” is front and center as Hamlin seeks recognition from FOX and Channel 90 for what he sees as unfairly negative coverage during the legal drama.
Tension Over Interview Practices and Editorial Decisions
The central friction dates back to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s response to the lawsuit, specifically during an interview featuring 23XI and FRM attorney Jeffrey Kessler. Hosted by Dave Moody, the segment quickly became combative, with Kessler’s efforts to present facts repeatedly challenged or dismissed by program hosts. After the tense exchange, Hamlin accused the network of censoring Kessler’s arguments and removing the interview from public access, a move he saw as suppressing information contrary to the prevailing narrative within NASCAR circles.
This pattern echoed broader frustrations about objectivity in automotive journalism, particularly as some broadcasters leaned heavily in NASCAR’s favor when discussing the merits and motivations of the teams’ legal action.
Media Figures and Their Public Criticisms
Throughout the lawsuit period, certain pundits like Larry McReynolds and Dave Moody voiced strong opinions about Hamlin’s team and FRM. McReynolds openly questioned the legitimacy of the challenge:
“How dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough, and FRM wasn’t good enough.”
— Larry McReynolds, NASCAR Broadcaster
“I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it.”
— Larry McReynolds, NASCAR Broadcaster
Moody also cast doubt on the wisdom of the lawsuit, treating it as a high-risk move with little likelihood of success. Now, with the lawsuit decision benefiting 23XI and FRM, Hamlin clearly believes these critical perspectives should be revisited publicly.
Kenny Wallace and Fans Stand with Hamlin’s Demand
Kenny Wallace, a long-standing personality in NASCAR, was among those who noticed the lack of serious attention from media outlets on the trial’s opening day. Speaking to his followers, Wallace voiced his disbelief at how major figures in NASCAR media tended to downplay an event with far-reaching consequences.
“So, here we are on December 1st, and this time it’s real, and nobody can ignore it,”
— Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Personality
“I think of Dave Moody today. I think of Larry McReynolds.”
— Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Personality
Wallace’s frustration was rooted in the idea that broadcasters should not present the lawsuit as a routine affair while ignoring the wide-ranging significance, especially with events like the Daytona 500 looming. He challenged the idea that the day’s events could be brushed aside:
“Can you act like today’s a normal day?”
— Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Personality
“Can you act like it’s none of our business while it’s worldwide?”
— Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Personality
Fan reactions on social media soon followed Wallace’s lead, targeting McReynolds and Moody in their comments. One fan voiced the collective desire for an apology:
“Are we demanding an apology? Yes. Should he apologize? Absolutely. Will he apologize? Hell Naah,”
— NASCAR Fan (attributed verbatim from source)
Another fan added levity to the exchange, reflecting skepticism about the possibility of any broadcaster issuing an apology:
“I have a better chance of getting a date with Sydney Sweeney than anyone getting an apology from Larry Mac or Dave Moody.”
— NASCAR Fan (attributed verbatim from source)
Both Wallace’s observations and the fans’ reactions reinforced Hamlin’s central complaint: the issue extended beyond the lawsuit itself to the choices made by influential voices about whether to confront uncomfortable news or shield the sport from criticism.
What the Outcome Means for NASCAR and Sports Media
The legal resolution has secured more robust positions for the teams involved, with 23XI and FRM emerging with permanent, or “evergreen,” charters. Despite this positive adjustment for the teams, Hamlin’s demand for a broadcaster apology has highlighted deepening rifts between athletes, teams, and the media organizations that shape public perception.
This moment signals a call for more accountability in sports journalism, especially as fans, team owners, and drivers become increasingly vocal about what they consider unfair coverage. Key NASCAR figures such as Michael Jordan, also co-owner of 23XI Racing, have a direct stake in ensuring that their actions and decisions are represented accurately and justly.
With major events like the Daytona 500 on the horizon and the structure of the sport under ongoing public scrutiny, the outcome of this dispute—and whether broadcasters respond to Hamlin’s demand—may influence how future controversies are handled in NASCAR media. As Denny Hamlin continues to pursue accountability, both fans and broadcasters alike are reconsidering the weight of narrative control in high-stakes motorsport.
Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 16, 2025
