NFL Assistants to Lose Locker Room, Field Access For Not Taking COVID Vaccination
Multiple NFL assistant coaches from four different teams could lose their Tier 1 status if they do not receive at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by next week. The vaccine isn't mandatory for players, though, who have a much lower rate of vaccinations.
These coaches could be exempt if they provide medical or religious reasons for not taking the vaccine. Should they lose Tier 1 status, it means they would be banned from the field, meeting rooms or any other interactions with players, the NFL network reported.
Teams last month were told by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills that players, coaches and team staff needed to receive their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination by the week of June 7, which would allow them to receive the full, two-dose vaccination before the start of July training camps.
Assistant coaches from at least four NFL teams are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine and are set to lose Tier 1 status -- banning them from the field, meeting rooms and direct interactions with players -- if they don’t get a first shot by the end of next week, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 4, 2021
"Vaccination rates among NFL players remain low compared to staff league-wide, but it's not mandatory for players, only Tier 1/2 staff. So an unvaccinated player can interact with a vaccinated coach but not vice versa. The NFL and NFLPA continue to negotiate protocols," the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero tweeted.
Staff members who have been fully vaccinated will be allowed access to all restricted areas of NFL team facilities, and they won't be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Staff members who are in the process of vaccinations, or those who are exempt for medical or religious reasons, can have access to the practice field and other restricted areas, but must wear PPE at all times. These staff members aren't allowed to travel with the team nor have in-person meetings. Furthermore, they are not allowed in the players' locker room, athletic training room, weight rooms or cafeteria while players are present.
Staff members who have no vaccination and no exemption are not allowed access to any restricted areas while players are present, and they aren't allowed to be around any players.
