Navy football coach Billy Ray Stuzmann was fired this week for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Stuzmann, the offensive assistant coach, confirmed that he had his religious exemption request denied, and would thus be leaving the team after three seasons, per Fox News.
“The Naval Academy Athletic Association policy regarding COVID-19 requires all coaches and staff to be vaccinated against the virus,” he said in a statement. “Based on my religious convictions, and after much thought and prayer, I am unable to follow the requirements of the Naval Academy’s COVID-19 policy, as it had changed these last few months.”
“After applying for a religious exemption and attempting to further negotiate alternative working arrangements, I was ultimately relieved of my duties here at Navy,” he continued. “I continue to stand firm in my conviction of faith, but I understand and respect that each individual and institution has a choice on how they wish to manage these issues.”
