Washington State Football Coach Fired For Refusing To Get Vaccinated

By Associated Press
October 19, 2021

Washington State fired shot manager Nick Rolovich and 4 of his assistants connected Monday for refusing a authorities mandate that each employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, making him the archetypal large assemblage manager to suffer his occupation implicit vaccination status.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, had acceptable a deadline of Monday for thousands of authorities employees, including the Cougars’ coach, to beryllium vaccinated. Rolovich applied for a spiritual exemption, which was denied Monday, Washington State diversion manager Pat Chun said.

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert volition beryllium elevated to acting manager and his archetypal crippled successful complaint volition beryllium Saturday astatine location against BYU.

Also fired for refusing vaccination were adjunct coaches Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber. Chun said determination whitethorn beryllium nary precedent for a squad losing its caput manager and truthful galore assistants successful the mediate of a season.

The 42-year-old Rolovich was the highest-paid authorities worker with an yearly wage of much than $3 cardinal successful a declaration that runs done 2025. He had said helium wouldn't get vaccinated but wouldn't specify his reasons. He was the lone unvaccinated caput manager successful the Pac-12 and had worn a disguise during games.

Rolovich was fired for cause, which means the assemblage does not person to grant the remainder of his contract, though lawsuits implicit the determination are likely. The Washington State diversion section is presently facing a shortfall of much than $30 million.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.