Washington State coach Nick Rolovich vows to follow policies for unvaccinated personnel

As he previously confirmed would be the case, Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich spoke during Tuesday's Pac-12 media day session remotely because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. 

While the conference required all in-person participants to be vaccinated, Rolovich explained the university's administration is respecting his decision and added he will follow all policies "for the unvaccinated."

"I'm not against vaccinations, and I wholeheartedly support those who choose to get vaccinated, including our players," Rolovich said, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. "I urge everyone to consider being vaccinated." 

Rolovich reiterated he won't publicly share why he's not getting one of the available shots but said roughly 75% of the Washington State roster is either fully vaccinated or has begun the vaccination process.

Like the SEC and NFL, the Pac-12 could force a football team to forfeit a game this season if it cannot safely field a squad because of COVID-19 issues or setbacks. Last Wednesday, Washington State president Kirk Schulz noted in a letter that the university "expects all students, faculty, staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated before the start of the fall semester" but continued that the school "has instituted an exemption process for those who have medical or non-medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine." 

Unvaccinated individuals are to follow guidelines such as wearing approved face coverings and practicing social distancing when on Washington State property.