Unvaccinated NFL Player Cole Beasley Pushes Back on Detractors, Says He’d Rather Retire Than Get COVID Vaccine

The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver Cole Beasley released a controversial tweet Friday afternoon. The tweet contained two screenshots from his “Notes” app outlining Beasley’s opinion on COVID-19 and the vaccines.

Beasley said, “I’m not vaccinated! I will be outside doing what I do. I’ll be out in public. If your [sic] scared of me then steer clear, or get vaccinated. Point. Blank. Period. I may die of covid, but I’d rather die actually living…I’m not going to take meds for a leg that isn’t broken. I’d rather take my chances with Covid and build up my immunity…that is MY CHOICE…if I’m forced into retirement, so be it.”

Public Service Announcement pic.twitter.com/XjQicdvnKm

— Cole Beasley (@Bease11) June 18, 2021

Beasley also claimed that “a lot of other NFL players hold my position as well but aren’t in the right place in their careers to be outspoken”. The wide receiver insisted that he is sticking to his beliefs and values, saying, “I don’t play for money anymore. My family has been taken care of. … My way of living and my values are more important to me than a dollar.”

In April, the NFL released a memo announcing their safety protocols concerning COVID-19 and vaccinations. The NFL has said that it will not mandate the vaccine. However, they are incentivizing it by preventing team employees, even coaches, from working directly with their players without being vaccinated.

The league encouraged all teams to hold “Vaccination Days” and announced their partnership with CVS Health to host individual vaccination clinics at club facilities. Unlike non-vaccinated people, vaccinated individuals only have to be tested once a week (as opposed to daily), don’t have to quarantine following interaction with “high-risk close contacts” and don’t have to be subjected to “entry” testing following travel.

The NFL has said it won’t mandate vaccines for players, but continues to incentivize it. Other team employees, such as coaches, must get vaccinated or they’ll lose Tier 1/2 status and can’t work directly with players. Still no agreement with the NFLPA on other offseason changes.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 23, 2021

Beasley’s Twitter announcement has infuriated many NFL commentators and fans. Beasley was labeled “a huge f******g a*****e” and a “certified moron”.

You really wrote an entire statement about what a huge fucking asshole you are.

— “Celia” (@_celia_bedelia_) June 19, 2021

Thanks for making it CRYSTAL CLEAR. pic.twitter.com/F3iz32Ug7H

— HEY MO! (@MoLulkowski) June 19, 2021

One sports commentator, Brady Klopfer, likened Beasley’s decision to not wearing a seatbelt, not stretching and not drinking water.

Hey Cole, quick question

Do you wear a seatbelt, or would you rather not address a car crash that hasn’t happened?

Do you stretch, or would you rather not work on a hamstring that isn’t torn?

Do you drink water, or would you rather not deal with dehydration until dehydrated?

— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) June 18, 2021

The Buffalo Bills and NFL has yet to comment on the controversy. Stay tuned to Media Right News for any updates.