We are all well-aware that COVID-19 has sidelined nearly 100 NFL players. I am also aware that the infamous (and largely glossed over) remarks by Aaron Rogers that he was “immunized,” and not vaccinated, might lend a different perspective into this ethical foray into common sense.
In an article by Antonio Planas for the AP (December 15, 2021) “Covid battering NBA, NFL, NHL, sidelining key players and postponing games.” Planas states:
“The virus’ wrath has benched household names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Baker Mayfield”
However, in a quote attributed to NBA star Antetokounmpo back in September:
“Yeah, I’m vaccinated, but in my opinion, you can never force anyone to do something that you don’t want to do. For me, I put everything down and I feel it was the best decision for me to be safe with my kids.”
It kind of raised a red flag for me. By “vaccinated,” did Antetokounmpo reveal he had the series of vaccines or just one? Did he plan on getting the booster?
As for Mayfield, in an article about his vaccination status (“Is Baker Mayfield Vaccinated?) by Shania Thompson (December 15, 2021):
“It’s not clear when the sportsman got vaccinated however, in July 2021 Mayfield addressed his stance on the vaccine and explained: ‘It was a lot of learning the protocols and whatnot. It definitely poses a competitive advantage for higher vaccine rates on your team just because of the close contact [rules] and what happens if somebody does, unfortunately, get COVID, what can happen to the rest of the building.”
Yes, but were you vaccinated with a booster?
You and Me
If I am asked, publicly or privately, if I have been vaccinated against COVID-19, my answer is pretty straightforward. I have received the two shots and I just received the booster. My guess is that most people reading this post can answer in a straightforward manner as well.
So why are so many professional athletes unable to express a straightforward, truthful answer?
According to the NBA:
“About 97 percent of the league’s players are vaccinated, the NBA said. Of the players eligible, the league said, about 60 percent have received a booster vaccine.” It leaves many players, coaches and trainers in a “Never-land” of those who have not received full immunization.
In the AP article by Antonio Planas, they interviewed Nicole Forrester, an assistant professor in the sports media program at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada who was talking about the large number of NHL players who have come down with COVID.
She is quoted as saying:
“Others ‘who might be unvaccinated, they might be like, these people are vaccinated and they still get the virus.’ It can conjure up a lot of mixed responses.’”
The NHL wants its players vaccinated; there should be no mixture of responses.
From an ethical point of view, I am beginning to wonder if the large number of COVID cases among professional athletes at the moment, are not only due to the virus, but to a lot of rule bending; a parsing of words; a series of half-truths.
I recently have had to show my CDC vaccine card to get into a restaurant. Did I like it? Not particularly, but I understood it. No one took away my rights, no one judged me, I just did the right thing. Three seconds after I showed my card, I sat down and had a great dinner.
On the other hand, and this is an absolutely true story, my neighbor had been seeing a well-known physical therapist for her arthritis. In fact, he treats some professional athletes. After three sessions, he finally confided to her that he does not believe in vaccinating. Here he is, a go-between, back and forth, between the general public and NFL players, and he refuses to vaccinate.
Where is the truth?
COVID is a nasty virus. It mutates as do all viruses. However, it doesn’t help whether in professional sports or in “real life,” when people who could do the right thing – don’t. If a man or woman who is a professional athlete chooses to not vaccinate, I suppose that is their choice. However, beyond that point, the choice to not vaccinate and then co-mingle with others who are unaware and/or vulnerable or at risk, is unethical.
Ethics demands truth. If I ask if you’ve been vaccinated, don’t tell me “it’s a choice,” or “it’s confusing,” or “there’s a lot of learning.” A simple yes or no is all that is needed.
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!
To quote a famous person “choices have consequences.” So if people don’t get vaccinated that’s their choice. But why isn”t the consequence they don’t get treated? WHY waste money and resources to help people who won’t protect themselves. Is it fair to nurses, doctors, taxpayers? Don’t think it can’t happen Well it has. “Singapore will stop covering Covid costs for those who won’t get vaccinated.” at https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/world/asia/singapore-unvaccinated-covid.html