Cole Beasley of the Buffalo Bills said he would rather retire than take the COVID-19 vaccine on June 18, 2021.
Background
The NFL, which has been losing viewership for the past nine years [1], says to take the vaccine or, if you don’t, you have to be tested daily for COVID-19, wear masks while in team facilities, and not talk to anyone outside of their traveling team while on the road. [2]
Beasley’s Message
On June 18, 2021, Beasley said he’d rather retire than get the COVID-19 vaccine.
If I’m forced into retirement, so be it. [3]
Cole Beasley also said he would rather get the coronavirus and build up his immunity that way than get the vaccine.
I may die of covid, but I’d rather die actually living. I’d rather take my chances with Covid and build up my immunity that way. [4]
He also said that it was his choice based on his experiences.
That is MY CHOICE based on MY experiences and what I think is best. [5]
Beasley said that his life is more important than money.
My way of living and my values are more important to me than a dollar. [6]
Representing Others
Beasley has been in the league for ten years; there are other players who feel the same way but aren’t veterans. Cole Beasley wants to represent them.
A lot of other NFL players hold my position as well but aren’t in the right place in their careers to be so outspoken. [7]
Notes:
- ^https://www.theepochtimes.com/nfl-viewership-losing-key-demographic-for-9th-consecutive-year_3693717.html (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.newsnationnow.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine/nfl-players-divided-on-covid-19-vaccine-rules/ (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.theepochtimes.com/mkt_breakingnews/nfl-player-says-he-would-rather-retire-than-take-covid-19-vaccine_3865688.html?utm_source=News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-2021-06-19-3&mktids=ce41b73decacdbd8458bb9d1f565d8d6&est=2Ml6P%2BT%2BkhHUWS5nB5F6P3S57PXRvKhNM6y%2BDR1%2BOY264AKfOQ3pIXdiT6UF75Z5ERCg (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.dailywire.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-refuses-vaccine-wants-to-represent-other-silent-players-if-im-forced-into-retirement-so-be-it (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.theepochtimes.com/mkt_breakingnews/nfl-player-says-he-would-rather-retire-than-take-covid-19-vaccine_3865688.html?utm_source=News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-2021-06-19-3&mktids=ce41b73decacdbd8458bb9d1f565d8d6&est=2Ml6P%2BT%2BkhHUWS5nB5F6P3S57PXRvKhNM6y%2BDR1%2BOY264AKfOQ3pIXdiT6UF75Z5ERCg (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.dailywire.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-refuses-vaccine-wants-to-represent-other-silent-players-if-im-forced-into-retirement-so-be-it (go back ↩)
- ^https://twitter.com/Bease11/status/1405971914607239172/photo/2 (go back ↩)
