Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in the NBA bubble during the 2020 season, but he continues to make his presence known off the court.

On Saturday, Isaac spoke at the ReAwaken America Tour in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, an event that features far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists, and Donald Trump loyalists. Isaac promoted his book titled “Why I Stand” and was invited to speak about his reasons for standing during the national anthem in 2020 and his more recent refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The 24-year-old Orlando Magic forward and former lottery selection is one of the few remaining NBA players who refused the jab, with more than 97 percent of the league choosing to get vaccinated. Isaac was introduced to the stage by host Clay Clark, who recently made the absolutely bonkers claim that the COVID-19 vaccine will soon turn people into zombies who yearn for human flesh.

“Viewing it, it seemed forced. It seemed like there was so much pressure in doing it,” Isaac told the enthusiastic ReAwaken America Tour crowd over the weekend. “I’m young. I’m healthy. I’m an athlete, I don’t have any comorbidities and I already had COVID in the past. I don’t see the wisdom in putting something into my body that’s not going to stop me from getting the virus in the first place or transmitting it. And so that’s why I decided to be the only player on my team to not get vaccinated.”

After Isaac’s appearance at the controversial far-right conference, the Orlando Magic issued a statement, seemingly supporting their young forward. “Jonathan is a thoughtful young man with tremendous faith who has done great work in the community and is using his platform to express his voice,” the team’s chief communications officer Joel Glass released to the Orlando Sentinel.

This is not the first time Isaac has addressed his vaccine refusal. Despite not playing a game all season, Isaac was very vocal about not getting vaccinated, citing liberty, his natural immunity, and his Christian faith.

During the offseason, Rolling Stone interviewed Isaac and concluded he refused the vaccine after studying Black history and watching Trump videos. Isaac pushed back on the story, stating he was “badly misrepresented” by the outlet, but his attendance at the ReAwaken America Tour won’t do much for convincing any detractors.

[Patriot Takes]

About Brandon Contes

Brandon Contes is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He previously helped carve the sports vertical for Mediaite and spent more than three years with Barrett Sports Media. Send tips/comments/complaints to bcontes@thecomeback.com