Josh Allen’s comments on COVID-19 vaccine spark controversy
By John Buhler
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is uncertain if he will get a COVID-19 vaccination or not.
When asked by NFL analyst Kyle Brandt on The Ringer‘s 10 Questions with Kyle Brandt podcast about if he will receive a COVID-19 vaccination or not, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had quite the response.
Allen is still debating on if getting a vaccination is the right thing for him. While he is young and very much in his athletic prime, this is a virus that has taken the lives of over 570,000 people in the United States of America since the global pandemic started. Though Allen says he will look at the data and use logic to make the best decision for himself, he is also a franchise quarterback.
Allen mentioned there are freedoms associated with the United States’ Constitution. That is fine to believe firmly in what rights the Constitution offers all Americans, but he must understand what position he plays and for what team. Him being hesitant on getting a vaccine may come across as trivializing the importance of getting the virus under control, especially to his fanbase.
From #10QuestionsWithKyleBrandt, @JoshAllenQB on getting a COVID vaccine:
— Steve Brown🎤 (@Steve_Brown_TV) April 7, 2021
“I’m still debating that. I’m a big statistics and logical guy. If statistics show it it’s the right thing for me to do, I’d do it. Again, I’d lean the other way of that’s what it said and...” 1/
“I haven’t been paying attention to it as much as maybe I should have but... I’ve just been doing my thing and making up when I’m going out... and... I’m just staying close and hanging around family.”
— Steve Brown🎤 (@Steve_Brown_TV) April 7, 2021
Follow-up question: NFL has not mandated vaccination, reaction?
2/
.@JoshAllenQB: “I think everybody should have that choice... to do it or not to do it. You get in this truck situation now where if you do mandate that... that’s kinda going against what our Constitution says and freedoms to kind of express yourself one what or the other...” 3/
— Steve Brown🎤 (@Steve_Brown_TV) April 7, 2021
“... and I think we’re in a time where that’s getting a lot harder to do... I don’t know. Everybody should have that choice. Whether you think you should do it or shouldn’t do it... that’s your own beliefs and... if you want to do it to protect you and your family... do it...” 4/
— Steve Brown🎤 (@Steve_Brown_TV) April 7, 2021
“... by all means. If you’re on the other side of the spectrum, too... I believe you should have that choice as well.” /End
— Steve Brown🎤 (@Steve_Brown_TV) April 7, 2021
Josh Allen’s non-committal nature towards the COVID-19 vaccine is controversial
While it is his choice to got get a vaccine or not, there are consequences that come along with either action. There could be members of Bills Mafia, residents of Western New York or NFL fans in general who are on the fence about getting a vaccine, too. While everybody should be able to make their own decision over this matter, Allen is in a position where he can influence thousands.
To enroll in K-12 school, a child will need to have a series of vaccinations. The same principle applies at many major universities in the country. President Joe Biden has said the vaccine should be available to any American who wants one by the end of May. Though millions of Americans will not end up getting it, stars like Allen need to understand their platform and how serious this is.
Allen can do whatever he wants regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are consequences, too.
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