The NFL just raised the stakes for unvaccinated players and deserves a lot of credit.

[Bleacher Creature]

I don't usually give the league credit, but this is well done and hopefully incentivize some players to stop acting like idiots and get vaccinated.

Restrictions remain in place for unvaccinated players, loosened for vaccinated players

The NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on the COVID-19 protocols for training camp and the preseason, and they should function as a strong incentive for players to get vaccinated.

A memo outlining the rules was distributed today, and it details much of what was previously revealed about this year’s COVID-19 protocols, as well as some new information that will make players want to get vaccinated.

A big one is that vaccinated players are allowed to go to high-risk places like bars and nightclubs, but unvaccinated players are not, and if they’re seen at one they can be fined up to $50,000.

Other items in the memo include:

Fully vaccinated players who have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will not have to quarantine, but unvaccinated players will continue to have to quarantine.

Unvaccinated players will be tested every day; vaccinated players will not.

Unvaccinated players must wear masks at the team facility and while traveling; vaccinated players do not need to wear masks.

Unvaccinated players must practice physical distancing in the team facility; fully vaccinated people do not have to practice distancing with each other.

Unlimited numbers of vaccinated players may be in the weight room, but only 15 unvaccinated players may be in the weight room.

Unvaccinated players may not eat meals with teammates; Vaccinated players may gather for meals.

Unvaccinated players may not participate in media or marketing activities while traveling; vaccinated players may.

Unvaccinated players may not use the sauna or steam room; vaccinated players may.

Unvaccinated players may not leave the team hotel or interact with people outside the team while traveling; vaccinated players may.

SNIP

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/16/restrictions-remain-in-place-for-unvaccinated-players-loosened-for-vaccinated-players/

[Karadeniz]

1. Seems reasonable... and conveys a message!

[genxlib]

2. This is the path forward

Don't require it but make people want it.

It doesn't even require vindictive rules. Simply make people behave relative to the risk that they carry. It will be so inconvenient that most will cave.

My daughter's college is taking this approach. They aren't requiring it but will continue forcing the unvaccinated kids to be tested and be subjected to quarantine. I believe they are offering the vaccines right in the same place the testing is done so I think they are figuring that some kids will simply go along to prevent the hassle.

Whatever works

[ProfessorGAC]

4. NBA Should Be Doing This, Too

Now, Chris Paul is going to miss games under the protocol because this public figure & DAD got exposed and he passed on the vax.
Now, his entire team is at risk of getting eliminated from the playoffs.
A whole team ruined over this? With the fantastic way he's been playing? Foolish!
The league should have done far more to incentivize vaccinations and make refusal highly inconvenient.

[Yavin4]

9. Meh. They had no chance against the Nets and Durant.

KD is the optimal NBA player in today's game.

[ProfessorGAC]

12. Maybe So

But, with no Irving or Harden, it levels the scales quite a lot.
Harden played last night, but he had the lateral movement of a fence post. Why the Bucks didn't constantly attack him is a mystery.
Irving's sprain is pretty severe. Who knows how long he'll be out or less than his normal self.
ESPN reported his ankle was more swollen today than yesterday. Given the stim & ice treatments they do, that's got to be a nasty sprain.

[Ace Rothstein]

13. I thought I saw Chris Paul was vaccinated with Pfizer back in Feb.

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Heard Otherwise Today - EDITED

So, who knows.
But, if your info is the correct stuff, then why is a vaccinated guy missing a game for the COVID protocol?
On edit: ESPN reporter has retracted the report that Paul was not vaxxed. There was confusion over the question.
Apparently, the NBA has not updated their protocols for vaccinated players & staff to align with CDC guidelines.
The question as to his vax status got mixed in with the question about vaxxed people being exempt. The "no" was misinterpreted as applying to the "Was he vaccinated?" question.
This is more on the league for not following the science, when they were among the first to follow the science.
Finally, there's an out. He can be tested again, & 2 negative tests frees him to play without the 10 day quarantine.

[Beetwasher.]

10. Yup, OSTRACIZE Them!

This is EXACTLY WHY ostracization exists. I approve. Public approbation, loss of privilege. Good job NFL!

[LonePirate]

3. Hopefully the NFL wants something beyond a player's word for proof of vaccination.

[Ms. Toad]

6. Yup. Distinctions based on vaccination status - without actually checking

(i.e. the way the rest of the US - with very few exceptons - is handling it) is a meaningless distinction.

[FakeNoose]

5. Wait until unvaxxed players try to renegotiate their contracts

It's going to cost them millions. Is that what they really want?
Hmmmm....

[demtenjeep]

7. this is the way it should be every where

dumbasses don't want the vaccine? Make them suffer

[msdogi]

8. This is the perfect model

for businesses, schools etc. If you want to participate, gotta be vaxxed.

[marble falls]

11. How about this: no shot, no play, no check.