Floyd Mayweather speaks out against COVID-19 vaccine mandates: ‘America is the land of the free’

Floyd Mayweather is the latest athlete to speak out against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

In a video posted on Mayweather’s social media, the undefeated boxing legend’s expressed support for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, an anti-vaxxer who publicly opposed New York City’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement to play in Brooklyn. Mayweather referred to Irving as a “great person great father, great athlete. And you believe what you believe.”

“America is the land of the free: freedom of speech, freedom of religion and, supposedly, freedom to choose,” Mayweather continued. “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 a slave 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.”

Mayweather posted the video less than a day following anti-vax protestors gathered outside the Barclays Center ahead of the Nets’ opening game against hrs Hornets. Protestors could be seen chanting “no vaccine mandate: and “let Kyrie play” as they pushed past the barricaded stadium. One of the protestors even sported a swastika. Eventually, Barclays’ security team was forced to lock down the arena.

This is not the first time that Irving has ignored science while forming misinformed opinions. He once declared that the “Earth is flat” before urging critics to “do your own research.” He only apologized after a middle school teacher told NPR how the NBA player’s misinformation was rubbing off on students.

Despite Irving’s dangerous views and the effect they have on others, Mayweather believes the athlete is making a brave stand.

“Respect to you, Kyrie, and power to the people,” Mayweather said.