Nick Rolovich, head football coach for Washington State University, has been fired after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Four of Rolovich’s assistants were also fired as they refused to take the vaccine.
The state of Washington has a mandate in the law requiring COVID-19 vaccinations.
Nick Rolovich Vaccine Firing Details
Washington State: Rolovich Fired After Refusing Vaccine. “”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 department said in a news release.” [CNN]
Washington State University: Firing Is “Disheartening.” “The noncompliance with this requirement renders [Rolovich] ineligible to be employed at Washington State University and therefore can no longer fulfill the duties as a head coach of our football program effective immediately. It is disheartening to be here today. Our football team is hurting. Our WSU community is fractured. Today will have a lasting impact on the young men on our team and the remaining coaches and staff.” [Washington State University]
Assistants Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber Also Fired. “Also fired were assistant coaches Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber after they did not comply with Inslee’s proclamation that was issued in August. Chun said there might be no precedent for a team losing its head coach and so many assistants in the middle of a season.” [ESPN]
Rolovich Attempt To Get Religious Exemption Refused. “Mr Rolovich, 42, who earned $3.1m (£2.25m) a year, had applied for a religious exemption from the mandate. But WSU’s Director of Athletics, Pat Chun, said the exemption had been refused.” [BBC]
State Mandate Required State Employees To Vaccinate. “The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18, 2021. Under the state mandate, all those working at state colleges and universities are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine.” [King 5]
Rolovich Earned $3 Million/Year. “Rolovich, who earned $3 million a year at Wazzu, expressed uncertainty over his long-term status after his team’s 34-31 victory over Stanford on Saturday, saying he was “waiting on an email” for his exemption request.” [CBS]
Video: NBC News report on Nick Rolovich firing
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.