Orchard Park, NY (WBEN) Bills coach Sean McDermott says he respects the decisions of players with regards to COVID vaccinations, but he is also concerned about the timing of vaccinations as the season draws near.
McDermott says the team is about 70 percent normal vs. COVID protocols, which he says is a good thing. McDermott himself says he has been vaccinated. "It's nice when you're fully vaccinated to be able to do some of those things and that's been good," says McDermott. He believes vaccinations are for the greater good.
McDermott says with regards to players' positions on taking the vaccine, "I'll keep those conversations with players inside the building for now. I think it starts with respect, and you have to respect people's views on matters," says McDermott.
McDermott says he is keeping tabs on other sports leagues. "You talk about getting to a certain level. We track things and trends and the staff does a great job sending me things about what's going on with the other sports. I'd be lying if I knew exactly what's going on but I know there are teams that have been dealing with COVID," citing a recent spate of cases involving the MLB's New York Yankees.
McDermott says he is concerned about players not getting vaccinated. "Timing is coming into play where the season's not upon us, but it will be at some point. As we all know how these vaccines go, you do take some time between the first and second doses to be fully vaccinated if you take the two shot approach," says McDermott. He says that time element may not work in the favor of the players, but again it's a player's decision. "I don't think the right word is convince. The right word is to educate and build awareness and let people decide," says McDermott.
