For the first time since testing positive for COVID-19 last week, Auburn head football coach Bryan Harsin spoke to the media. From the comfort of his own living room, Harsin announced that he is “feeling good” and is about to return to his team.
“As of right now, I should return to the facility by Monday of next week,” Harsin said.
Harsin and defensive coordinator Derek Mason both tested positive for COVID-19 over the last few days. One thing between them is different: Mason was vaccinated and Harsin was not. When asked about his stance on vaccines, Harsin made his opinion known.
“Let me be clear," Harsin said, "I am not anti-vaccine, and any narrative along those lines is misinformed. I fully support the choice for anyone to vaccinate and I also support getting reliable data-driven information into the hands of those who still have questions about the vaccine. Anyone who has been in our facility knows that."
The Auburn football team as a whole is one of the few SEC football teams that have not reached the 85% threshold for total vaccinations. In comparison, teams like Alabama and Ole Miss have 100% of their squad vaccinated.
Harsin declined to comment on the exact percentage of team vaccinations, but gave an optimistic look at team’s growing number of vaccinations.
“Our vaccination numbers continue to improve, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” Harsin said. “I do believe we can get there. I am optimistic.”
According to Alabama state law, the state is prohibited from requiring anyone to receive the vaccine or to show proof of vaccination and Harsin and his staff have followed that.
“We cannot issue mandates to student-athletes under Alabama law," Harsin said. "Other states and universities can. We cannot. So, that is not a football coach's decision."
While not requiring his team to vaccinate, Harsin has put ample resources and information in front of his squad so they can make their best educated choices.
“For months now, our staff has gone above and beyond in providing reliable information to our players, coaches and staff,” Harsin said. “I provided an open platform for experts to come and present and speak to our players about the vaccine.”
Among those experts and speakers were team doctor Dr. Michael Goodlett, member of the SEC Medical Guidance Task Force, Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama state health officer, Dr. Michael Williams from the Auburn College of Science, athletic director Allen Greene and University president Jay Gouge.
The SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey have not yet made a decision on what is to happen to teams in the unlikely event they are to forfeit a game due to COVID-19. The idea of potentially fining the team unable to play has started to circulate and Sankey has said that the conference does not plan to reschedule any games in 2021.
For now, Harsin is at home, watching his team on mobile screens until he can return. Going forward, regardless of his team being vaccinated or not, Harsin just wants his team to be safe.
"We are committed to being safe,” Harsin said. “Right now, we are testing twice. The most important thing is the safety of our players and safety of the people in our building.”
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Henry Zimmer is from Jacksonville, Florida, and is currently in his fifth year with The Plainsman. He is currently the Sports Reporter and can be followed on Twitter here: @henryzimmer
