Dr. Jen Welter, the NFL’s first female coach, has accepted an invitation to accompany Floyd Mayweather to the ring when he fights Andre Berto on Saturday.
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Welter announced the news on Twitter:
Yes the rumors are true. Looking forward to seeing money in action. Thanks @FloydMayweather @MayweatherPromo pic.twitter.com/Z94I9qeDvY
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 4, 2015While Welter is excited to be presenting the boxer in what could be his final fight, fans expressed outrage on Twitter that she will be accompanying a man who has previously been accused of domestic violence.
@jwelter47 good idea to support an individual known for domestic violence? It's just a PR move.
— Naresh Jagernauth (@freshnaresh) September 4, 2015@jwelter47 think its a mistake. Hes doing it so people dont talk about what he has done in the past. Dont fall for it
— Donny Owens (@jdonowen3) September 7, 2015@jwelter47 Obviously your words about domestic violence are just that. Attending the Mayweather fight shows you care nothing about women.
— ALM (@ALWM77) September 6, 2015Why go from this great, historic story, to fronting for a serial, unapologetic woman beater?
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) September 7, 2015Read: Arizona Cardinals Hire NFL's First Female Coach
Welter spent the holiday weekend defending her decision on Twitter.
I have not yet met @FloydMayweather personally. I consider it a step in the right direction that he reached out to a strong educated woman.
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 7, 2015Do you believe change occurs through outside criticism or through personal communication? https://t.co/xITtAeq8un
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 7, 2015And why not? He invited a woman with a PhD in psychology ringside. https://t.co/H3qnTt8C3a
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 7, 2015"By condemning a man based on his past, you are condemning him to the same future." -Dr. J https://t.co/Mif1ww5Ug9
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 4, 2015I never prejudged my players, which gave me an opportunity to reach them. Maybe that's why Floyd extended his glove. https://t.co/JD9EegF1bd
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) September 4, 2015
Even with the critics, it looks like Welter will still be walking with Mayweater to his historic 49th bout.
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