Floyd Mayweather Jr. strongly voiced his support for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving on social media this week amid his absence from the team over his vaccine status, commending him for “having some integrity and being your own man.”
The 44-year-old boxing legend posted a minute-long video to his Twitter addressing Irving directly who has been barred by the team from playing in any games until he gets vaccinated.
“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.’”
Irving was set to miss all home games because of the mandate in the area, but the Nets owner decided to add all games until he complies.
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Irving spoke out for the first time on his Instagram Live days later saying he made his decision understanding the consequences.
“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.”
The Nets are currently 2-3 on the season.
“Respect to you Kyrie. Power to the people,” Mayweather added, finishing his statement.
