WSU's Nick Rolovich Won't Attend Pac-12 Media Day Because He's Unvaccinated

Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich announced he will only participate in Pac-12 Media Days remotely after choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine:

Rolovich said the Pac-12 required all in-person participants in media day be fully vaccinated.

"While I have made my own decision, I respect that every individual—including our coaches, staff and student-athletes—can make his or her own decision regarding the COVID-19 vaccine," the coach said.

Pac-12 Media Days are set to begin Tuesday, July 27 in Los Angeles.

Washington State Athletic Director Pat Chun released a statement on Rolovich's decision:

NCAA officials have stopped short of mandating vaccines for coaches and student-athletes, but many have strongly encouraged the practice to help get back to normal.

"Frankly, anyone not getting vaccinated is taking unnecessary risk," Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said last week. "And that's not just student-athletes, that's anyone in our society."

The Pac-12 only had a six-game schedule last season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Washington State had two games canceled because of positive tests. The Cougars finished 1-3 in Rolovich's first year at the helm.