It’s been quite something to see professional athletes like those in the NBA give more coherent comments on vaccine mandates than Joe Biden or anyone in the White House has done.
You can see some of those NBA players’ comments here and here.
Some, like Kyrie Irving, have stood against the mandate and it’s costing them. Irving is not allowed now to play or practice with his team until he gets vaccinated. He spoke out, understanding the cost, but still sticking to his guns. “I am doing what’s best for me. I know the consequences here, and if it means that I’m judged and demonized for that, that’s just what it is. That’s the role I play, but I never wanted to give up my passion, my love, my dream just over this mandate.”
We saw hundreds of people come out in protest in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center shouting to “Let Kyrie play!” and chanting against the vaccine mandate. You had both BLM groups and Trump supporters come together to protest.
But now a boxing legend is weighing in on behalf of Irving, while at the same time, delivering a powerful statement about America and freedom.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. gave his support to Irving for his stand in a video he released on his Twitter account.
“Kyrie, what’s up? I know you’re going through a lot. We had a chance to hang out in 2016, when you represented America – when you represented the Red, White, and Blue. You only want to be treated fairly,” Mayweather began, referring to Irving’s appearance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where Team USA took home the gold medal in men’s basketball.
“I was going to post something on one of my social media pages but I decided to do it the old school way and read it out to you because you are a great person, great father, a great athlete and you believe what you believe,” he continued.
“America is the land of the free. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and supposedly, freedom to choose. Never be controlled by money. I respect you for having some integrity and being your own man. A free mind makes his own choices and an enslaved mind follows the crowd. Stand for something or fall for anything. One man can lead a revolution to stand up and fight for what’s right. One choice, one word, one action can change the world. It’s crazy how people hate you for being a leader. I hope your actions encourage many others to stand up and say ‘enough is enough.’”
“Respect to you, Kyrie. Power to the people,” Mayweather finished.
Thank you to Floyd Mayweather. It’s hard to say it better and it comes at a time where many seem to forget what freedom is about and for what we’ve fought as a country. Mayweather’s greater point is one we all need to take to heart. It’s about having the courage to go against the tide and take that stand because that can change the world and stop the madness.
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