Floyd Mayweather: Colin Kaepernick should focus on football

Floyd Mayweather believes Colin Kaepernick should focus more on his play than his protest.

Floyd Mayweather criticized San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest, saying he should focus on his football. 

Mayweather made the comments in an Oct. 9 interview with "Tha Boxing Voice." 

“Kaepernick needs to try and get the starting job,” Mayweather said in the interview, which was published before Kaepernick became the team's starter. “Stand up, and get the starting job. That’s what he needs to focus on. But I can’t knock him. If that’s what he believes in and the people stand behind him, so be it."

The 49ers promoted Kaepernick to their starting quarterback after benching Blaine Gabbert. Kaepernick will make his first start of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

"He's got the number one selling jersey, so it's obvious he's doing something right," Mayweather added. 

• Can Kaepernick play? We're about to find out

Kaepernick has drawn criticism and support for his decision to sit and later kneel during "The Star Spangled Banner" in an effort to raise awareness for racial injustice and police violence in America. A number of NFL players and other athletes have followed his lead and joined in the demonstration.

Mayweather also criticized the Black Lives Matter movement, saying that "all lives matter." Watch the full video below: 

The boxer remains retired and unbeaten with a 49–0 career record after his last fight in September 2015.