Opinion | Unvaccinated athletes find themselves thrust into public debate on vaccine mandates, whether they like it or not
- Professional athletes are at the forefront of vaccine mandates for employees given their high-profile nature
- Unvaccinated players have felt the heat of the media, and their personal opinions are now publicised as debate continues on subject
As one of the National Hockey League’s most well respected and decorated defencemen, Duncan Keith’s thoughts on being vaccinated pinpoint the very public quagmire professional sport leagues find themselves in.
Keith got vaccinated against his own wishes in the off-season. The 16-year veteran thought the NHL’s strict protocols – stuck in the team hotel, practice facility and arena while on the road – was going to be too much to endure.
His reasons for not wanting to get vaccinated were rooted in his personal views on health, not in any disdain for government, or because of any conspiracy theory. However, what he thought was a private matter quickly became public, and he was forced, in a press conference, to defend his initial decision to refuse a vaccine for Covid-19.
“I’ve put so much time in over the years in trying to feel good on and off the ice – prepare and be professional,” he said. “A lot of that is building up your immune system. So for me, the frustrating part is that I have done so much to try and keep my immune system strong, healthy and firing on all cylinders.
“To have to take the vaccine to play hockey was frustrating,” he added. “You have to make a medical decision just to play hockey. I feel like that decision, it should be a choice.”
