Washington State coach Nick Rolovich unvaccinated, doing media day remotely

The COVID-19 vaccination statuses of coaches, players, and staff members will unquestionably be talking points heading into and beyond the starts of college football seasons. 

Per Harry Lyles Jr. of ESPN, Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich announced Wednesday he will participate in Pac-12 media day next Tuesday remotely because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. 

"As the Pac-12 Conference has required that all in-person participants at next week's Pac-12 Football Media Day be fully vaccinated, I will participate remotely and look forward to talking about our football team and the incredible young men in our program," Rolovich said in a released statement. 

"I have elected not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for reasons which will remain private. 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. I will not comment further on my decision." 

On Monday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey threatened that conference teams unable to field squads this fall due to coronavirus-related absences could be made to forfeit because games won't be rescheduled. Since that time, both Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart and Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban have said their programs have reached an 85% vaccination threshold. 

Earlier on Wednesday, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips announced his conference hasn't yet decided on the protocols for either rescheduling contests or requiring teams to forfeit due to COVID-19 issues.