LeSean McCoy endorses Brandon Aiyuks protest amid 49ers controversy

Brandon Aiyuk’s increasingly public campaign to leave the San Francisco 49ers has drawn plenty of criticism, but former NFL star LeSean McCoy sees something entirely different.Speaking on Fox Sports’ “Speakeasy,” the two-time Super Bowl champion defended Aiyuk’s ongoing efforts to force his way out of San Francisco, even comparing the receiver’s stance to athletes who sacrificed money and public approval for causes they believed in.“I ain’t going to lie.He became my favorite wide receiver,” McCoy said.

“I like it, man.It’s time to fight back.

Don’t let these ownerships just start to own you.Them days is over with.”McCoy’s comments came after Aiyuk posted another social media video expressing support for the Washington Commanders, the latest chapter in a months-long saga that has seen the receiver repeatedly hint at a desire to reunite with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels.“Go Commanders! Go Commanders, man!” Aiyuk said in a Father’s Day video posted to social media.While many observers have dismissed Aiyuk’s posts as an attempt to pressure the 49ers, McCoy believes there may be more to the story than outsiders realize.“If he is that focused on throwing shots at the Niners to go to Washington to play, it’s something that happened to him that, for him, it’s a big reason why he’s leaving,” McCoy said.To explain his thinking, McCoy pointed to former NBA star Kyrie Irving.

He admitted he initially criticized Irving during his controversial tenure with the Brooklyn Nets before later changing his perspective after speaking with him personally.“I was judging Kyrie Irving,” McCoy said.“But then I had a chance to meet with him and we talked.”McCoy said that experience taught him that athletes are sometimes willing to sacrifice millions of dollars if they feel strongly enough about an issue.

He then referenced boxing icon Muhammad Ali, who famously lost years of his prime after refusing military induction du...