The major sports are trying to prove that the rules don't apply to the moneymakers even when the rules are in the interest of public health. The Australian Open has a vaccine requirement, but Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play after receiving a medical exemption. The exemption was granted following a rigorous review process involving two separate panels of medical experts, according to the statement. They wrote that the expert panel was made up of doctors from the fields of immunology, infectious disease, and general practice.
The nine-time Australian Open winner had previously refused to reveal his vaccination status. Have we had an athlete who is vaccinating refuse to reveal their vaccine status yet? Don't believe it. He would have to have contracted COVID within the last six months or present an "acute major medical condition" in order to get a medical exemption at the Australian Open.
The sports world shows us that it doesn't have consequences for lying to the press, not following NFL mandates for unvaccinated players, or the way Antonio Brown's fake vaccination card was swept under the rug after a quick suspension. Who cares about life-saving vaccines if you win? You are bringing in money. The death rate of unvaccinated COVID patients is higher than that of those who are vaccine-free. If he wins, he will break a three-way tie for the record for Grand Slam wins, which would be a huge ratings boost.
In a post on the social media site, the tennis player said that he was heading Down Under after wishing everyone a happy and healthy life. A touch ironic, don't you think? He will be facing a tough crowd in Melbourne later this month. In June of 2020 he signed a new contract with COVID after playing in a series of exhibition matches that did not include any social distancing for players or fans. It was a shock.
