Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera had some choice words for the abundance of misinformation out there regarding the coronavirus vaccines.
“You got some, quite frankly, f–king a–holes that are putting a bunch of misinformation out there, leading people to die,” Rivera told Sports Illustrated as the NFL continues to incentivize players to receive the jab before its second season in the pandemic. “That’s frustrating to me, that these people are allowed to have a platform. And then, one specific news agency, every time they have someone on, I’m not a doctor, but the vaccines don’t work.
“Or I’m not an epidemiologist, but vaccines are going to give you a third nipple and make you sterile. Come on. That, to me? That should not be allowed.”
Although he is fully vaccinated, Rivera’s bout with cancer last year means he has a compromised immune system and is at a greater risk of suffering complications if he catches the coronavirus.
The league has been trying to encourage players to get vaccinated, threatening forfeits for teams that suffer outbreaks among unvaccinated personnel and promising more social abilities for those who are vaxxed.
There has been an increase in vaccinations among players, but also a rising tension from those who are holding out against it.
“I didn’t want to get the vaccine,” Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed tweeted in July. “The NFL & NFLPA made getting the vaccine a competitive advantage. I just got my vaccine because I don’t want to hinder my team.”
