To get vaccinated, or not to get vaccinated? That's the question posed by hesitant NFL players as the league started imposing strict rules against unvaccinated individuals. If you ask Stephen A. Smith, he thinks it shouldn't even be a question.
The outspoken First Take host was vocal in his takedown of the NFL and its players association for not being strict enough – he wants the vaccine to be fully mandated.
Via Andrew Battifarano of The New York Post:
“The only people that [the vaccine is] not mandated for are the players because they have a union — the Players Association,” Stephen A. Smith said “That’s protecting them from what? Because I’ve got news for you: you’re not protecting them and you’re not protecting us. The reality is if you end up testing positive, you can have an affect on somebody else.”
There have been a handful of NFL voices who have openly refused to take the vaccine. Some, like Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley, have been very outspoken with their stance. Others, such as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz, have been more discreet about their decision. But the end result is the same in that it keeps the league from achieving its maximum vaccination rate.
“I think it’s shameful,” Stephen A. Smith continued. “When athletes talk about, ‘Oh, it’s a private matter.’ It is not a private matter, because it affects anybody that’s standing right next to you. … It’s ridiculous.”
The NFL inches closer to covering all their bases with over a 93% vaccination rate thus far. But as the league approaches 100, it gets more and more difficult to close the gap.
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