Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen – who lists “somewhere without a mask” as his location on Twitter – had a lot more to say about the National Football League this week.
A few days ago, the 26-year-old was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after tight ends coach George Godsey tested positive for the virus.
On Saturday, he told the media that he was not going to allow the NFL to strong-arm him into getting the vaccine.
“You know, for me it’s a personal choice and it’s bigger than just COVID,” Shaheen said. “I’m not going to elaborate further on that. The NFL is trying to push it. It’s no secret that they’ve been trying to push it on unvaccinated guys. You know what? I’m going to continue to go through the protocols of the unvaccinated that they make me do. I’m not going to get fined.
“But they’re not going to strong-arm me into doing something for more freedom when this is such a changing atmosphere and they’re already taking away freedoms of the unvaccinated guys. It was just a changing environment and, you know what, I’m going to keep my hands off and follow the rules that they put in place for me, but they’re not going to strong-arm myself into getting it. So, no.”
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Shaheen said COVID-19 does not have him concerned for his health and safety. He was then asked about his stance on masks.
“Belief about masks?” Shaheen said. “I mean, listen, I believe that we live in the greatest nation on the earth and I think from the start it’s been about people’s choice. If you want to wear a mask and protect yourself and those around you, they say, all for it. No problem. But if I don’t want to, it shouldn’t be looked down upon when you don’t do one side or the other. I think that’s part of what I alluded to earlier, part of the bigger problem with this entire thing. With that said, same with the vaccine, I think it’s your choice.”
On Shaheen’s profile are the words: “I will not comply.” He explained it’s actually about guns.
“No, it’s actually more of a … I’m a big gun guy. It’s more of a Second Amendment thing from one of my favorite YouTube channels. I know I think it was taken that way. It is what it is.”
Shaheen has 2 years and $4,850,000 left on his Dolphins contract.
