(Headline USA) The NFL is back in the center of political controversy once again after one of its players has said he would rather retire than take the COVID vaccine.
Bills wideout Cole Beasley grabbed headlines Saturday with his announcement. He has been critical of the restrictions the league has placed on players and said he wants to live his life in peace.
“Hi, I’m Cole Beasley, and I’m not vaccinated!” Beasley wrote. “I will be outside doing what I do. I’ll be out in the public. If (you’re) scared of me, then steer clear, or get vaccinated. Point. Blank. Period. I may die of COVID, but I’d rather die actually living …”
“I don’t play for the money anymore,” he added. “Fine me if you want. My way of living and my values are more important to me than a dollar.”
Beasley was second-team All-Pro honors in 2020.
“I love my teammates and enjoy playing ball because all the outside BS goes out the window in these moments,” Beasley said. “I just want to win the Super Bowl and enjoy these relationships that will be created along the way. 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…”
“That is my choice based on my experiences and what I think is best,” he continued. “I’ll play for free this year to live life the way I’ve lived it from Day 1. If I’m forced into retirement, so be it. I’ve enjoyed the times I’ve had … So either way, it’s a win-win.”
He’s not the only public figure rejecting the vaccine, and his announcement sparked major praise and criticism on Twitter.
Hey Cole, quick question
Do you wear a seatbelt, or would you rather not address a car crash that hasn’t happened?
Do you stretch, or would you rather not work on a hamstring that isn’t torn?
Do you drink water, or would you rather not deal with dehydration until dehydrated?
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) June 18, 2021
Ignore the haters, ball out brotha. It’s not worth wasting your breath
— Jeff Zell (@Jeff_Zell) June 18, 2021
