Today [Tuesday] football coaches and star players in the Pacific-12 Conference met with reporters to talk about and promote the upcoming season.
Washington State University coach Nick Rolovich was among them. But football was only part of what he talked about. He also addressed his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Football coaches often lament that outside factors get in the way of their preparation for games. This falls into that category for Nick Rolovich, who addressed the issue when he spoke with reporters on Tuesday.
“The reasons for my individual choice will remain private," he said. "However, I want to make it clear that I respect, I support all the work being done by the state of Washington, who, as a state, has one of the highest percentages of vaccination in the country.”
Rolovich’s personal choice has brought unexpected attention to the university. When the news broke last week, the WSU president’s office quickly issued a tweet reiterating the expectation that all students, faculty, staff and volunteers would be vaccinated before fall semester.
Rolovich says he has been in contact with Athletic Director Pat Chun and the president’s office about his decision.
“I plan on adhering to all policies that are implemented for the unvaccinated at the state, local, campus, conference level. I’m not against vaccinations and I wholeheartedly support those who choose to be vaccinated," he said.
He says about three quarters of the players in his program are partially or fully vaccinated. He says he believes his players support his decision not to join them.