The NFL instituted the new policy regarding COVID-19, and it varies for vaccinated and unvaccinated players. Well, Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Justin Pugh had some honest comments for the league after he tested positive despite being fully vaccinated.
Hey @NFL we need daily testing for vaccinated and non vaccinated players. I was vaccinated and still got covid. As of now vaccinated players test every 14 days. That’s not enough! Who knows how long I walked around the building with it or whoever I got it from! Fix this ASAP
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) August 19, 2021
Per the NFL's rules, vaccinated players get tested every 14 days, and as Pugh said, who knows how long he was walking around the Cardinals' facility with the virus, in essence putting a ton of others at risk as well.
The Cardinals veteran didn't stop there, either, in turn calling for more testing from the NFL.
At the end of the day all of our goals are to play the regular season and playoffs without issue. That’s what pays owners and players. Let’s hope the preseason gives us kick in the ass we need to get our covid protocols in place before these games matter! https://t.co/dqjQzZjE43
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) August 19, 2021
I don’t care where you stand on the vaccination fence. We had no one vaccinated last year and made the season happen. I think more testing is crucial because it allows us to catch and remove positive cases ASAP. @nfl is in a unique situation. I’d Rather OVER test then UNDER test
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) August 19, 2021
Perhaps the NFL thinks about changing the policy after this, and Pugh isn't the only Cardinals player to test positive despite being fully vaccinated. Jordan Phillips also tested positive and responded to Pugh's comments.
Also fully vaccinated and tested positive yesterday 🤷🏾♂️
— Jordan Phillips (@Bigphil9797) August 19, 2021
This isn't a good look for the NFL, and probably something the league didn't anticipate happening. But, now two Cardinals players have tested positive despite being fully vaccinated, and who knows who else was in contact with them and in jeopardy of contracting the virus as well.
The NFL season officially kicks off on September 9 with the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing off, and Roger Goodell and the NFL have a decision to make if they want to alter the protocols in any way.
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