LeBron James called it “family talk.” Anthony Rizzo said it was a “life decision” he made for “personal reasons.” Kirk Cousins called it a “private health matter.” Aaron Judge told reporters, “I’m not going to get into that.” Professional athletes just keep coming up with new ways to avoid talking about the COVID-19 vaccine.
On the "public health stakes" of any professional athlete getting vaccinated are "very small" point, what about the idea that at least certain professional athletes are role models and (a) publicly stating they got the vaccine would encourage others to do so and (b) inversely, stating that they didn't get it or that it's a personal choice, discourages other to do so?
Not to mention professional athletes are in close quarters with many others (their teammates, coaches) far more frequently than a lot of folks, the unvaccinated are posing a serious risk to more people than most.
On the "public health stakes" of any professional athlete getting vaccinated are "very small" point, what about the idea that at least certain professional athletes are role models and (a) publicly stating they got the vaccine would encourage others to do so and (b) inversely, stating that they didn't get it or that it's a personal choice, discourages other to do so?
Not to mention professional athletes are in close quarters with many others (their teammates, coaches) far more frequently than a lot of folks, the unvaccinated are posing a serious risk to more people than most.