ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Football Team brought in a vaccine expert this week to encourage players to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but not everyone was on board with the move.
Defensive end Montez Sweat said he was “not a fan” of the session and opted not to get the vaccine for now.
“I probably won’t get vaccinated until I got more facts and that type of stuff, but I’m not a fan of it at all,” Sweat said.
Asked why he is hesitant, Sweat said: “I haven’t caught COVID yet. I don’t see me treating COVID until I actually get COVID.”
Coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that nearly 50% of the team had been vaccinated. He said all coaches and personnel had taken a vaccine.
Sweat’s comments reflect some Americans’ hesitancy about the vaccines. Public officials, sports teams and leagues have been pushing people to be vaccinated, though some are holding out.
Sweat said the topic has been a constant talking point in the locker room.
“Obviously, they want everybody to be vaccinated to move more freely around the facility and with travel and all that type of stuff,” Sweat said, “but everybody has their own beliefs, and they’re entitled to their own decision.”
Left tackle Saahdiq Charles said he is a fan of the session and has been vaccinated. Rookie receiver Dax Milne said he was glad to have the information available, though he had not yet received the vaccine.
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