Topline
Carson Wentz, the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback, spoke out about his vaccination status Thursday. He confirmed that he had not received the jab and Darius Leonard (the team's top linebacker), said that he was unvaccinated.
It's a process. Wentz stated Thursday that he is weighing all the pros and cons. It keeps me awake at night and there are many things that go inside my head. But it's where I am right now. Getty Images
The Key Facts
Wentz said to reporters that his decision not to get vaccinated was personal and that he would not go into detail about why. Wentz answered that he had considered all the possible risks and that he would not get the shot if asked. Wentz signed a four year, $128 million contract in 2019. He stated that his evaluation of vaccinations is ongoing and that things could change in the coming weeks. Leonard, an All-Pro linebacker, was signed by the Colts to a record-setting five-year contract extension worth $98.5 million. He explained that he hadn't received his shot yet because he was worried about possible "long-term effects" and other stuff. Leonard spoke to the media after practice and said that he wanted "to be more educated about the vaccine" and didn't want to rush into getting it.
Important Quote
It's a process. Wentz stated Thursday that he is weighing all the pros and cons. It keeps me awake at night and there are many things that go inside my head. But, it's where I am right now.
The Key Background
After five days of being in quarantine, Wentz was released from the Covid-19 reserve and activated on Thursday. He had reportedly been in close contact with a Colts employee who tested positive. Because of contact tracing, only unvaccinated athletes are allowed to be quarantined under the protocols established by the NFL Players Association and the NFL Players Association. Only vaccinated players need to be quarantined if they test positive. The same reason reportedly caused two other team members to be forced into quarantine, Zach Pascal and Ryan Kelly, the center. Quenton Nelson, the best offensive lineman on the team, was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list due to close contact last week with someone who had tested positive. ESPN reports that the Colts have one the lowest rates of league players who are vaccinated. Frank Reich, the team's head coach and Matt Eberflus (defensive coordinator), were both positive for Covid-19 at training camp. Chris Ballard, Colts general manger, stated Wednesday that there are "consequences” to not getting vaccinated. Ballard stated that he believes everyone on the team should be vaccinated. The organization has tried to educate players about the scientifically-proven benefits of the vaccine but Ballard added that "for those guys who choose not to get vaccinated they still understand that they are still part of this team."
What to Watch Out For
The NFL's new protocols will require that any team that experiences a Covid-19 epidemic among unvaccinated members be made to forfeit any game that cannot be rescheduled. Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the "burden of cancellation or delay" will fall on the team with the Covid infection in a memo to 32 league clubs.
Tangent:
Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay's head coach, announced Thursday that every member of his Buccaneers team has been administered Covid-19 vaccine. Arians stated, "We have 100% vaccinated all of our organization, including all players, coaches, and all employees." The Bucs join the Atlanta Falcons as the second NFL team that has reached the 100% threshold.
Big Number:
93%. According to Allen Sills, the NFL Chief Medical Officer, this is the percentage of NFL players who have been vaccinated since last Friday.
Additional Reading:
NBA's Covid Crackdown: Players who are not vaccinated may be subject to strict testing rules and masking (Forbes).
NFL Increases Pressure on Players to Get Vaccinated: Teams Might Be Forcibly To Forfeit Games (Forbes).
