Rolovich laments distraction created by his vaccine status
LOS ANGELES >> Washington State coach Nick Rolovich lamented Tuesday that his decision to not get the COVID-19 vaccine has created a distraction for his program, though he reiterated that he would keep his reasons why private.
“I don’t mean to cause any heartache to this university or to this athletic department or this state,” Rolovich, a former standout quarterback at Marin Catholic, said via Zoom during Pac-12 media day. “As I go forward, I plan on adhering to all policies that are implemented for the unvaccinated at the state, local, campus and conference level. I’m not against vaccinations. I wholeheartedly support those who choose to be vaccinated, including our players, staff, and coaches.”
Rolovich was the only conference coach not at the W Hollywood Hotel for media day, where proof of vaccination was required for those in attendance. He said talks with the athletic department have been good and that “they respect my decision.”
Rolovich said 75% of his team has received at least one shot. Washington State is one of nine Pac-12 schools requiring students and staff to be vaccinated for the upcoming academic year, with certain exceptions. Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah are currently not mandating it.
Baseball
BAUER’S ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE EXTENDED >> Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave was extended by 10 days through Aug. 6 by Major League Baseball and the players’ association while the sport’s investigators check into allegations of sexual misconduct against the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.
Bauer was placed on seven days’ paid leave on July 2 under the joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy adopted by MLB and the players’ union in 2015. MLB and the union have agreed to three extensions.
Police in Pasadena and MLB are investigating the allegations made against Bauer by a Southern California woman who says the pitcher choked her to the point where she lost consciousness and punched her during two sexual encounters this year.
SURGERY >> Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said, ending another frustrating year for Washington’s 2019 World Series hero.
The three-time All-Star right-hander felt discomfort after a 27-pitch bullpen session last week and saw a specialist on Monday. Strasburg, who is 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA in five starts this season, was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and will be operated on by Dr. Greg Pearl in Dallas on Wednesday, Martinez said.
Pro football
RODGERS ARRIVES IN GREEN BAY >> Aaron Rodgers has made it to Green Bay on the eve of the Packers’ first training-camp workout.
Rodgers was seen arriving at Lambeau Field the day after NFL Network and ESPN reported the reigning MVP was closing in on a deal that would keep him with the Packers this season. The Packers later tweeted a photo of Rodgers
at Lambeau Field — wearing oversize sunglasses and a novelty T-shirt referencing “The Office.”
The Packers open training camp Wednesday.
Soccer
MAN UNITED TO SIGN DEFENDER VARANE >> Manchester United has announced an agreement to sign center-back Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old French international’s pending arrival follows United’s signing of winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund last week.