FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick clarified his comments on vaccination on Monday, saying that even though the team would be better off if everyone was vaccinated, it won't solve all problems.
Belichick's comments came five days after he said quarterback Cam Newton's vaccination status was not a factor in his release. At the time, Belichick noted that a "very high number" of players, coaches and staff members vaccinated by COVID-19 at the training camp have been infected.
The NFL previously announced that 68 players and staff out of 7,190 tested individuals tested positive for COVID-19 during the three weeks from August 1-21. According to the league, the rate of positive tests among non-vaccinated NFL personnel was seven times higher than the rate of positive tests among vaccinated personnel.
On Monday morning, before reporters took the question, Belichick revisited the topic, saying he wanted to clarify his earlier answer.
He said, "No player has been released or kept because of their vaccination status. It's not part of the equation. My comments regarding vaccination, really, the way I feel, it's up to each individual." It's a personal decision."
"As a team, we are better off if everyone is vaccinated. That being said, even if everyone is vaccinated, it doesn't solve all of our problems, because we have had many players and Have seen head coaches and assistant coaches in the league test positive for COVID even after vaccination.
“So it is still up to us to be vigilant in our daily hygiene and decision-making for the health and safety of individuals and our team. We will continue to follow all league protocols, as we always do. But not like that. is a factor in the release or non-release of any player on the team."
The issue was initially raised to Belichick as Newton was away from the Patriots for five days in late August after the team called a COVID-19 protocol a "misunderstanding". Newton missed three drills on that stretch, which allowed rookie Mac Jones to take control of the team.
Newton was released on 31 August.
The Patriots started the season on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at home. On Monday, the Dolphins placed left tackle Austin Jackson and Adam Shaheen on the reserve/COVID-19 list in reserve, and elevated cornerback Jamal Perry as a COVID-19 replacement.