Giants co-owner John Mara wanted mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for NFL players

The NFL and NFL Players Association have repeatedly said that players cannot be cut solely because they refuse to get one of the available COVID-19 vaccine shots, and the Las Vegas Raiders made headlines Monday by becoming the league's first team to require fans show proof of vaccination to attend games. 

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, New York Giants co-owner John Mara admitted Tuesday he wishes all personnel required for completing games this season would be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

"I’d prefer that everybody be vaccinated," Mara told reporters. "I would’ve preferred that it would’ve been mandatory for players to get vaccinated. But the Players Association did not share that view, so we are where we are, which is not a bad spot to be in. Obviously, I’d like it to be 100% [of players vaccinated], because I think it’s the right thing to do."

Mara added the Giants aren't following in the footsteps of the Raiders and requiring fans prove they are vaccinated to attend home games, but he didn't entirely rule the notion out.

"If you ask me that question again in a week or two, I may give you a different answer," he said. "That’ll depend on our discussions with the governor’s office and further guidance from the CDC and other health organizations. I think it’s a fluid situation."

Per a mandate announced by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the New Orleans Saints are requiring attendees to show proof of either a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to enter the Caesars Superdome for games. One wonders if the Giants and New York Jets will adopt a similar policy before the regular season begins next month.