Shaq indicates that he does not think people should 'be forced' into getting vaccinated

During an episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal indicated that he does not believe people should "be forced" to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

O'Neal took issue with scenarios in which someone faces the threat of losing their job if they decline to get vaccinated.

While the basketball legend said that he urges people "to be safe" as well as to "take care" of their families, he added that he does not think people should "be forced" into taking that which they do not even want.

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But Shaq has previously commented on NBA player Kyrie Irving's refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Since Irving is not vaccinated, he cannot play home games, and even after teammate Kevin Durant got injured, Irving indicated that he would not change his decision on vaccination.

"I don't see how the team could put up with that," O'Neal said. He added that if Irving were on his team, he'd "have to put hands on him."

Many Americans oppose mandates that require workers to get vaccinated regardless of their own personal medical preferences — the issue has remained a topic of significant cultural debate throughout the pandemic.