Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley blasted the league's strict protocols for unvaccinated players on Friday. "I'd rather die actually living," Beasley wrote on Twitter in response to getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Everyone — Hi, I'm Cole Beasley and I'm not vaccinated!" Beasley wrote in a post he called a “Public Service Announcement.”
"I will be outside doing what I do. I’ll be out in the public. If your scared of me then steer clear, or get vaccinated. Point. Blank. Period. I may die of covid, but I’d rather die actually living."
Earlier in the week, the NFL sent a league-wide memo to all teams highlighting the differences in protocols between vaccinated and unvaccinated players.
The league relaxed protocols for individuals who are fully vaccinated including weeks between Covid-19 testing and not requiring face coverings for team meetings, workouts and travel. While protocols for unvaccinated individuals were much stricter including daily testing and constant mask wearing at team facilities and travel. Unlike their fully vaccinated counterparts, unvaccinated individuals must also remain physically distant from others in club facilities and will not be allowed to eat with teammates or other staff. While away for travel, unvaccinated individuals will not be allowed to leave the team hotel to eat in restaurants, go to nightclubs, or attend concerts.
Beasley added, “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 way. Eat better. Drink water. Exercise and do what I think is necessary to be a healthy individual. That is MY CHOICE based on MY experiences and what I think is best."
Beasley concluded with, "A lot of other NFL players hold my position as well but aren’t in the right place in their careers to be so outspoken. I feel for you and I’m hoping I’m doing my part to represent you guys well.”
The 32-year-old finished the 2020 NFL season with 967 yards and four touchdowns and was named second team All-Pro for the first time in his nine-year career.