A member of Michael Jordan's NASCAR team has been suspended indefinitely following an arrest linked to an alleged assault at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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Evanna Daneen Howell, 35, was arrested on Saturday and charged with assaulting Dennis Manchester during race weekend activities.
Authorities allege Howell used a golf cart in the incident involving the 77-year-old Manchester.
Michael Jordan NASCAR Team Employee Suspended After Arrest
Howell, a senior account manager for Jordan's co-owned 23XI Racing organization, has since been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR.
According to Cabarrus County Court records, Judge Matthew Black found probable cause that Howell "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did assault Dennis Manchester with golf cart used to assault the victim deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury".
Following her initial court appearance on Tuesday, Howell secured release on a $125,000 bond.
Her attorney, Harold Cogdell Jr., issued a statement defending his client.
"Ms. Howell and her family extend prayers for a full and speedy recovery to the individual injured," Cogdell said, via the Daily Mail.
"It is deeply disappointing that an unfortunate golf cart accident has resulted in a criminal charge. We look forward to our day in court."
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According to the Daily Mail, Howell lives in Charlotte and has worked for 23XI Racing since 2021.
Police reports claim Manchester suffered a "severe laceration" during the alleged golf cart incident.
Photos taken after Howell's arrest showed her wearing a 23XI Racing hoodie during the booking process.
The incident comes during a strong season for the Jordan-owned organization.
Team driver Tyler Reddick won the opening three Cup Series races of the season before adding two more victories.
Reddick remains the only driver in the series with more than two wins through the first 13 races of the campaign.
He currently leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 620 points. While team co-owner Denny Hamlin sits second on 498 points.
Ryan Blaney occupies third place with one victory and three top-five finishes.
Jordan has also recently been involved in a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR concerning the sport's revenue-sharing model.
The basketball icon became a team owner in 2020 when he acquired a stake in 23XI Racing, helping establish the organization as one of NASCAR's leading teams.
