Vikings Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison
MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO/KVRR) – The Minnesota Vikings and offensive line coach Rick Dennison could part ways after Dennison refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to ESPN Vikings beat reporter Courtney Cronin. Dennison is believed to be the first NFL position coach out of a job after objecting to a vaccine.
The Vikings released the following statement on Dennison’s status:
“The Vikings continue to hold discussions with Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison regarding the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 Protocols for training camp and preseason games. At this time, Coach Dennison does not have an exemption to the vaccination requirements of those protocols. We will adhere to the requirements of the protocols and of applicable law.”
Earlier this year an NFL memo to teams stated that their Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees, with the exception of players, “should be expected to be vaccinated unless they have a bona fide medical or religious ground for not doing so.” The memo further stated that those who refuse the vaccine will not be allowed in “football only” areas and will be unable to work directly with or near players.
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