Fans Defend Fernando Mendoza After Facing Criticism Over Resurfaced LeBron James-George Floyd Tweet – “He Was 16”

Fernando Mendoza has often been thought of as a level-headed and mature prospect even though he is just 22 years old.

Fans Defend Fernando Mendoza After Facing Criticism Over Resurfaced LeBron James-George Floyd Tweet – “He Was 16”

Fernando Mendoza and LeBron James (Image via CFB Talk/Sport World News/X)

In Short
  • Fernando Mendoza faces criticism for a resurfaced comment on LeBron James' post about George Floyd.
  • Fans defend him, citing he was only 16 years old when he made the comment.
  • Despite the controversy, Mendoza is still projected to be the No. 1 overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza is weeks away from going to the Las Vegas Raiders as their No. 1 overall pick. At least that is what every sports analyst thinks around the country.

The game tape from his stellar run to win both the Heisman trophy and the CFP National Championship all point towards a quarterback who can sling it under pressure, and also use his legs when needed.

Then there is the maturity part, which has been evident in the way he approaches any game, and also while in it. Coaches love players who can stay level-headed in crunch time.

Even though some might be unhappy with the fact that he will not be traveling to Pittsburgh for the draft, they also felt that being with his ailing mother and his family proved he has a thoughtful side.

Some believe that Fernando Mendoza is the real deal and can help the Raiders turn their fortunes around after years of disappointment. However, amidst the entire good boy image, something resurfaced, and has led to fans taking their angst out on him.

You need to explain the context of the first photo of the cop on the man, because you never know what he did wrong.

Fernando Mendoza’s resurfaced comment

Social media pages dug up this comment the Indiana Hoosier alum wrote on Instagram against a post by NBA superstar LeBron James. The picture shows maligned police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on the late George Floyd‘s neck (blacked out) on one side.

Then there was former quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling on the other. Many fans have criticized the College National Champion for this controversial question.

Fans support Fernando Mendoza over controversial post

Even though most of the fans on social media criticized Fernando Mendoza over this post, others pointed out how the soon-to-be No.1 overall pick was just a teenager back then.

They argued that it is normal for people in that age group to be confused and unaware of the true depth of things. Therefore, those fans felt that the criticism was unwarranted. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Other NFL stars have also been exposed about their own controversial social media posts from the past. Some have apologized and reiterated that they have changed over the years.

Fans hope Fernando Mendoza does the same, as his current image is anything but that of someone who could be writing such a comment on LeBron James’ post.

Fernando Mendoza expected to go to Raiders despite controversy

Usually, such controversial posts do tend to affect the image of people who spend most of their time in front of the media. Fernando Mendoza will be doing a lot of it from now to the end of his NFL career.

Fernando Mendoza at the Indiana Pro Day
Fernando Mendoza at the Indiana Pro Day (Image via NBNN/X)

Therefore, he can expect one of the reporters to come up with a question regarding this controversial post. However, he can handle it the way others have, and that is to ensure he is as diplomatic as he possibly can be.

Unless he handles it poorly, which is difficult to do considering the 22-year-old is adept at handling the media, he should be going to the Las Vegas Raiders first overall.

All the inclinations so far, be it from their GM’s reactions to his abilities, to Tom Brady being in the building during his official visit, are pointing towards them selecting him.

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