Urban Meyer admits vaccination status played role in final roster cuts.
To vaccinate or not is a big controversy in sports right now. It seems that some teams are doing everything they can to get their players and staff vaccinated ahead of the 2021 NFL season kickoff. Now, on the day that roster cuts happened we’re getting some insight into why these decisions were made … and vaccines played a part.
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer spoke to ESPN on Tuesday to break down where his mind was at.
“Everyone was considered,” Meyer said. “That was part of the [considerations such as] production, let’s start talking about this, and also is he vaccinated or not? Can I say that that was a decision maker? It was certainly in consideration.”
Jaguars: Non-vaccinated players are a bigger risk for the team
Even though the vaccine has become highlight political, the decision was based more on how a positive test could affect the team and it seems like Meyer doesn’t want to take that chance with just anyone.
Josh Allen is an example of how COVID protocols could change things drastically for the team.
“Well Josh Allen’s never had it [COVID],” Meyer said. “He’s not played in two weeks. So he’s never had COVID. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but he’s never had COVID. So that’s pretty punitive.”
Allen never did confirm if he was vaccinated or not.
The NFLPA has opened an investigation into Meyer’s comments, which could very well end in a fine or other punishment.