Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane enters the field prior to a game against the Washington at New Era Field. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

NFL: Teams cannot release a player due to vaccination status after Bills GM's comments

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/7/21

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said Wednesday that he hypothetically would consider cutting players if they did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The NFL reportedly spoke with Beane following his comments about releasing unvaccinated players. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the league said a team cannot release a player solely due to vaccination status.

According to a league source, the NFL spoke with Bills GM Brandon Beane this week following his hypothetical comment about releasing an unvaccinated player. League says a team cannot release a player solely due to vaccination status.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) May 7, 2021

The NFL sent out a memo in March saying it would not require players to get vaccinated, but there would be incentives for those that did, including loosening mask requirements and social distancing protocols.

The subject of vaccination is sensitive among athletes and people across the United States. Bills quarterback Josh Allen told The Ringer podcast that the decision to get vaccinated is a personal choice, adding that he was still debating on whether or not to get the vaccine.

Starting safety Jordan Poyer's wife, Rachel Bush, has also opposed mask-wearing and mandatory vaccination on her Twitter account, according to The Associated Press.

The Biden administration is hoping that 70% of American adults receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by July 4 despite hesitancy across the country.

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