WSU football coach's vaccine decision puts school in awkward position
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University football coach Nick Rolovich has chosen not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for personal reasons.
“I have elected not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for reasons which will remain private,” wrote Rolovich. “While I have made my own decision, I respect that every individual – including our coaches, staff and student-athletes – can make his or her own decision regarding the vaccine.”
His decision puts the coach and his school in an awkward position.
WSU is requiring vaccinations for all students and staff on campus with exemptions granted for medical, religious or personal reasons. If an exemption is granted to Rolovich, he would be required to wear a mask on campus and abide by social distancing protocols.
Gov. Jay Inslee and others were critical of Rolovich's decision.
"Anybody in a leadership position in the state of Washington, I believe, has an obligation to lead and use their leadership position to save lives,” said Inslee. “Governors, senators, football coaches. Help lead. Lead the effort to defeat COVID."
The governor’s office said, “Our concerns have more to do with what the coach didn’t say. He didn’t say the vaccine was safe and effective, which it is. He didn’t encourage others to get it, which is the only way out of the worst of the pandemic.”
“I just think it is a terrible message to be sending,” said state Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle) “I mean you have (Seahawks) Coach Carroll sending out the exact opposite putting out PSAs saying ‘get vaccinated.’”
“He’s taking a risk not only for himself, but the community that he’s face-to-face with for sure,” said Dr. Ann Marie Kimball, UW Medicine professor emeritus. “He’s taking a big personal risk because we have the new variant in the state which is much more infectious. As a leader in the community it’s very unfortunate to make that choice because it’s not only wrong for him and his own health, but it puts the people around him who follow his lead at risk as well.”
Rolovich is likely to be a focal point on Tuesday during Pac-12 media day, which he will be attending virtually.
