Story at a glance
- Washington State University fired head football coach Nick Rolovich on Monday for failing to comply with state guidelines and getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Four assistant coaches were also fired for violating a mandate issued by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) that required state employees to complete their vaccinations by Monday.
- Rolovich had applied for a religious exemption but was denied.
Washington State University fired head football coach Nick Rolovich on Monday for failing to comply with state guidelines and getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Due to the requirements set forth in Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, Nick Rolovich is no longer able to fulfill the duties as the football head coach at Washington State University,” the athletics department said in a news release.
Four assistant coaches were also fired for violating a mandate issued by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) that required state employees to complete their vaccinations by Monday. Rolovich had applied for a religious exemption but was denied, The Associated Press reported.
Rolovich joined the university two years ago and was under contract through 2025, earning around $3 million annually.
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“This is a disheartening day for our football program,” director of athletics Pat Chun said in the statement.
“Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team,” Chun continued. “The leadership on our football team is filled with young men of character, selflessness and resiliency and we are confident these same attributes will help guide this program as we move forward.”
Rolovich said in a statement on social media in July that he “elected not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for reasons which will remain private.”
“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. I will not comment further on my decision,” Rolovich posted on Twitter.
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