PULLMAN, Wash. – It’s game over for WSU football coach Nick Rolovich.
He was fired, effective yesterday, Monday, October 18th, after repeatedly refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
WSU’s Athletic Director Pat Chun said in a press conference Monday that Rolovich’s decision marked a dark day in the school’s football program.
“It’s a tough day for Washington State Football,” says Chun. “Nobody wants to be here. I have a lot of empathy for the young men in that locker room.”
Four assistant coaches were also let go after choosing not to get vaccinated.
KOMO News reports Rolovich applied for a religious exemption, but it’s unclear whether that exemption was granted.
Chun says the team will be moving forward, but adds it will take some time.
“It’d be naïve of me to say this wasn’t affecting the perception of Washington State University. Certainly in the state with perspective students, with donors, with lots of people,” says Chun. “Unfortunately, we are here to day and we ultimately have to move forward.”
Rolovich had been at the helm of WSU football for the past two years.