Washington State University’s head football coach Nick Rolovich has been fired after refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a statement released from the university.
Rolovich had previously applied for a religious exemption for the vaccine mandate that required state employees to be vaccinated by Oct. 18.
The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to be vaccinated. This includes all those working at state college and universities.
Four assistant coaches - Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber - were also fired after not complying with the mandate. Current defensive coordinator Jack Dickert will be the acting head coach.
“This is a disheartening day for our football program. Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team. The leadership on our football team is filled with young men of character, selflessness and resiliency and we are confident these same attributes will help guide this program as we move forward,” WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun said.
Rolovich was the highest paid employee in the state with a salary of over $3 million.
“While much has been made of the relatively small number of university employees who are not complying with the Governor’s mandate, we are immensely gratified that nearly 90 percent of WSU employees and 97 percent of our students are now vaccinated. WSU students, faculty, and staff understand the importance of getting vaccinated and wearing masks so that we can safely return to in-person learning and activities. I am proud of all those members of our community who have set the example and taken the steps to protect not just themselves, but their fellow Cougs,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said.
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