Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather shared his public support of Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving over the player’s refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Mayweather posted on Instagram Monday to state his backing of the NBA all-star in both a lengthy post and corresponding video.
“To my understanding, America gave us the choice to take the vaccine or not take the vaccine originally,” Mayweather said. “As time moves on, that choice is gradually being stripped from us. Limiting the jobs we can do, places we can go, and activities we can perform. Trying to beat us into submission of what they say is best for us.”
Mayweather called Kyrie’s treatment over refusing the coronavirus vaccine a form of discrimination.
“It’s sad people are hated, punished, teased, and discriminated for not taking the vaccine, for making their own choice, standing up for what they not only think is right, but know is right for them and their families,” he added.
Mayweather expressed he is “Pro Choice” concerning COVID-19 vaccines.
“I am Pro Choice. A person should be free to make the decision best suited for themself. If we can’t make our own decisions we are not truly free. Our forefathers, fought for our freedom as our soldiers, first responders, and patriots continue to do to this day. Why is it when someone decides to do something differently from what we are told, it is right we condemn them? Condemn them for making a choice, choosing to be free, choosing to not conform to the norms society tells us to conform to,” he said.
The boxing legend’s lengthy statement concluded with a view that challenged people to show respect over each person’s vaccine choice.
“If you decide to take the vaccine fine. If you decide to not take the vaccine fine. Rather respect should be earned by everyone who makes their own choice and chooses liberty! For myself, my children, my loved ones…I choose life, I choose liberty, I choose freedom!” Mayweather concluded.
The viral Instagram post garnered more than 770,000 views in less than 24 hours. The same video posted to Twitter received more than 900,000 additional views at the time of this publication.
Mayweather won 15 championships during his nearly two-decade boxing career. He fought in 50 professional bouts with 27 wins by knockout, along with winning a bronze medal for the U.S. in the 1996 Olympic Games.
