Washington State Players React to Nick Rolovich's Dismissal
Former Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich was relieved of his duties on Monday evening following his refusal to meet the state of Washington's vaccine deadline for public employees.
Rolovich, along with four other unvaccinated assistant coaches, were sent packing despite WSU's current three-game winning streak. Rolovich now becomes the most prominent coach in college football to have been released due to COVID-19 vaccine refusal.
(To read more on the matter, click here)
Rolovich's departure stirred a considerable amount of controversy for obvious political reasons. Rolovich made it clear during the summer that he wouldn't opt for the vaccine, and was the Pac-12's only head coach to not be vaccinated, missing the conference's media day in August.
Yet the deed is now done. For better or worse, right or wrong, Rolovich and part of his cast are no longer with the team.
We've seen reactions from friends, family members and even that one person you added on social media after meeting just once, although you don't really know them.
But what about the players who played under Rolovich?
Players React to Nick Rolovich's Dismissal
Quarterback Jayden de Laura has been perhaps the most vocal of his teammates. WSU's starting passer offered these comments (via the New York Times):
"The guys covering us, they’re trying to dig a hole on our Cougar football team,” de Laura said. “I thought you guys were supposed to be supporting us, and you guys are over here trying to take out our head guy.”
He added: “There’s probably friction outside of our team. We don’t pay attention to that kind of stuff. That’s you guys. That’s your guys’ perspective. You guys ain’t coming in early in the morning to come to practice and sacrifice with us.”
Following the official departure, de Laura posted a heartfelt message regarding Rolovich and his (along with others) opposition of the decision.
More WSU football players and their reactions:
Cornerback Jaylen Watson
Everyone bashes this man day in and day out like he is not human or has feelings. Forcing him to have no friends all he had was us and all we had was him love you forever @NickRolovich
— Wat’s Island🏝 (@JaylenWatson12) October 19, 2021
Kicker Lucas Dunker
Not only did our team lose coaches. We lost friends, mentors, role models, but most of all family members… thank you @NickRolovich for giving me a chance to perform at the highest level and pursue my dreams❤️ #foreverfamily
— dunk✝️ (@LucasDunker1) October 19, 2021
Receiver Calvin Jackson Jr.
Much love for Rolo and all that he has done for me 🖤, thanks for giving me a chance & believing in me when no one else did. @NickRolovich 🖤
— Calvin Jackson Jr (@PrimetimeCeej) October 19, 2021
Punter Nick Haberer
Crazy to think that a year ago I was back in Australia not knowing what to do with my life and Coach Rolo took a chance on me. He was my Coach, my mate and most importantly my mentor and taught me valuable life lessons that will always be with me! Love ya @NickRolovich 🇦🇺🦘
— Nick Haberer (@haberer_nick) October 19, 2021
In a tweet that's now deleted, kicker Dean Janikowski (no, he's not related to Sebastian) said, "It’s one thing to lose a head coach it’s another thing to have your AD be late to the most important meeting of the year.”
Rolovich applied for a religious exemption but was ultimately denied.
Washington State athletics director Pat Chun offered some direct words in a press conference following the move:
Part of Pat Chun's opening statement:
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) October 19, 2021
"I take full ownership and responsibility for hiring Nick... To be at this juncture today is unacceptable on so many levels... We need to infuse compassion, empathy and unity back into our WSU community." pic.twitter.com/0ln1I3WXFA
There's really no telling what direction this will lead Rolovich, the team or even the program in the future. As for now, the Cougars host BYU on Saturday prior to a road trip to Arizona State the following week.
While it's unclear the immediate consequences of the decision, we do know that WSU's players will miss playing for their coach.
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