Washington State University (WSU) head football coach Nick Rolovich withstood vaccination pressure by the Pac-12 Football Media Day’s vaccine mandate.
The Pac-12 — a collegiate conference made up of 12 major universities in Western United States, participating in NCAA Division I athletics — decided that all in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated, leaving Rolovich with a choice to either get vaccinated or stay home.
On Wednesday, Rolovich publicly announced his decision to stay home and participate virtually rather than receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
He released a statement on twitter that explained his decision to forgo vaccination.
“I have elected not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for reasons which will remain private,” he said. “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 COVID-19 vaccine.”
— Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) July 21, 2021
Assistant football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy Billy Ray Stutzmann was quick to support Rolovich’s decision.
“Everyone is entitled to their privacy & their own personal opinion,” Stutzman tweeted in response to Rolovich. “Let’s just play football.”
We’ll said Coach. Everyone is entitled to their privacy & their own personal opinion. Let’s just play football.
— Billy Ray Stutzmann (@BRayStutzmann) July 21, 2021
The conference’s media day is set for Tuesday, July 27 as the kickoff event for the 2021 season.