We will start this post with a People magazine link representing the latest in the Novak Djokovic saga, with an article written by Vanessa Etienne (January 18, 2022). We must admit have grown tired of the hand wringing and whining of the tennis superstar, but 24/7 press coverage being what it is, media types are often reluctant to allow the consequences of choices to speak for themselves.
Last week the Australian government revoked Djokovic’s visa for the second time and politely threw him out of the country. Said Scott Morrison, the prime minister:
“This pandemic has been incredibly difficult for every Australian but we have stuck together and saved lives and livelihoods. Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected. This is what the Minister is doing in taking this action today.”
It was his choice
It was Djokovic’s choice to enter Australia unvaccinated for COVID-19. He was apparently granted permission to do so by the tennis authority. He seemed almost proud of the fact that he could freely travel and compete without being vaccinated. Indeed, he cited non-specific “personal reasons” for not getting vaccinated. Then again, the 34-year-old is the top male tennis player in the world and, after all, many in the sports world are often convinced of their importance.
When his entry into the country was denied, naturally fellow tennis pros and many fans rallied to his side. Obviously, none of those fans or pros cared if he carried the virus asymptomatically – or indeed, if he had symptoms. Their outrage was limited to the anti-vaxxed stance that he was a tennis superstar (and he is) and that the rules do not apply to him (and they do).
In the latest twist in this saga, “France’s parliament approved a law requiring COVID vaccines in all public places. French Minister of Sports Roxana Maracineanu explained that the law also requires all athletes — including those from foreign countries — to be vaccinated to participate in French sporting events.”
This will effectively bar Djokovic from participating in the May 2022, French Open. Djokovic will strike out there as well.
The law applies for a reason
The flow of reasoning in this case, has largely gone from the matter of Djokovic’s inconvenience – and that of the tennis world – to the general public. It is of no consequence to tennis aficionado’s if an asymptomatic Djokovic infects a restauranteur, reporter, room cleaner, limo driver or the ball boy. It is no worry to the herd of Djokovic supporters if business people, tourists, scientific researchers or entertainers entering Australia or France must submit to vaccination as a necessary requirement for admission.
The world did not ask for COVID-19. No one, from the head coach of an SEC team or the on-air color-commentators at WNBA games or a humble speaker on the topic of Sports Ethics wants to get sick from the virus. We know how to mitigate it and in general, we know what we need to know to help prevent it. Things are getting better but they are improving as the world transitions from entitlement to cooperation.
Novak Djokovic is worth about $200 million and he has made a lot of money from a game. It is not life, but a game. He made a choice, and there are consequences from any choice. He does not get a free pass; none of us do. His fans might consider that.
The difference between herd immunity and herd mentality is ethics.
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!
Wake up.
Covd is a premeditated psyop. It’s all about totalitarianism – not your health.
Djokovic is taking a stand against tyranny as ate many others.