The NFL safety protocols have made it much easier for vaccinated players and personnel this coming season. And Dolphins TE Adam Shaheen feels the NFL is basically forcing every player to get vaxxed.
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The NFL is expected to have NFL games at full capacity. While the NFL can’t control fans and external forces, they can control their teams and players. Therefore, they released a memo dictating what could happen if players don’t vaccinate themselves.
Last year, the NFL repeatedly had to reschedule games due to Covid outbreaks within teams, but this is something they won’t be doing this year. As a result, the team responsible for the Covid outbreak may have to forfeit the game entirely.
Shaheen falls far enough down the team’s depth chart to risk getting cut in favor of a vaccinated teammate. He also spent several days this week on the NFL’s COVID-19 list but is still adamant about not getting vaccinated.
Adam Shaheen feels the NFL is strong-arming players
Shaheen, via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, told reporters on Saturday that he will follow all protocols in order to avoid being fined.
You know, for me it’s a personal choice and it’s bigger than just COVID,” Shaheen said. “I’m not going to elaborate further on that. The NFL is trying to push it. It’s no secret that they’ve been trying to push it on unvaccinated guys. You know what? I’m going to continue to go through the protocols of the unvaccinated that they make me do. I’m not going to get fined.
“But they’re not going to strong-arm me into doing something for more freedom when this is such a changing atmosphere and they’re already taking away freedoms of the unvaccinated guys. It was just a changing environment and, you know what, I’m going to keep my hands off and follow the rules that they put in place for me, but they’re not going to strong-arm myself into getting it. So, no.”
Shaheen said COVID-19 does not have him concerned for his health and safety. Shaheen was asked about his stance on masks.
“Belief about masks?” Shaheen said. “I mean, listen, I believe that we live in the greatest nation on the earth and I think from the start it’s been about people’s choice. If you want to wear a mask and protect yourself and those around you, they say, all for it. No problem. But if I don’t want to, it shouldn’t be looked down upon when you don’t do one side or the other. I think that’s part of what I alluded to earlier, part of the bigger problem with this entire thing. With that said, same with the vaccine, I think it’s your choice.”
Adam Shaheen obviously feels the competitive disadvantage of not being vaccinated. But with 90 players being cut down to 53 come week 1, Adam Shaheen could be on the chopping block.
Also Read: NFL vaccine: Holland Hospital cut ties with Kirk Cousins after his COVID 19 remarks
