An NFL insider states that teams cannot release non-vaccinated players, after statements from Buffalo Bill general manager Brandon Beane
The insider statements come after the Buffalo Bills general manager, Brandon Beane, suggested on Wednesday that he’d release players from the team for not getting vaccinated if the freedom was available.
“You guys saw it in the fieldhouse, we had three and four meetings going on, and sometimes you’re talking over each other. But it was the only way to pull it off social distancing,” Beane said addressing the NFL protocols limiting the number of players who could meet at one time. “So it would be an advantage to cut a player and fall under that umbrella” of less restrictive protocols.”
Practice During a Pandemic
Last season, during the prime time of the pandemic, COVID-19 made practice very difficult for players and coaches alike.
During the 2020 pre-season, teams limited meetings to Zoom and had many restrictions limiting the number of people who can gather at a time for meetings. The NFL also required mask-wearing. Something Beane wants to avoid this season.
“If you don’t, it’s going to look more like last year,” Beane added. “But I hope, if those are the rules, that we’ll be able to get enough people to be vaccinated and not have to deal with all the headaches.”
Despite Beane’s wishes about avoiding the restrictions by releasing unvaccinated players, the NFL doesn’t share his perspective.
“A team may not release a player solely due to vaccination status,” an NFL insider simply stated.
The insider wished to remain anonymous, according to the Associated Press because the league did not release a public statement on the issue.
However, the league and Players Association encourage players to vaccinate as soon as possible.
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