"He is NOT anti-vaxx" - NFL fans react to Mel Kiper Jr's decision to work remotely for 2022 NFL Draft due to vaccination status
ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. will not be attending the 2022 NFL Draft in person. Instead, he has chosen to work remotely. The 61-year-old analyst is best known for his complete mock drafts in the lead up to the actual day.
The COVID-19 vaccination situation is still a topic that causes a lot of conjecture among the general public. For some, the vaccine is a must to protect against the virus, while others say it is part of a huge conspiracy.
Some have reacted to the news and are saying that he is anti-vaxx. Well, one NFL fan responded to the status of the analyst and defended him and his statement.
The fan wrote:
"READ WHAT HE WROTE. He is NOT anti-vaxx and 'recognizes the value of vaccines,' but personal medical history means that he and his docs (and likely ESPN) have determined that he should not get it. He’s being honest, seemingly not doing his own research and is being considerate."
@MelKiperESPN READ WHAT HE WROTE. He is NOT anti-vaxx and “recognizes the value of vaccines”, but personal medical history means that he and his docs (and likely ESPN) have determined that he should not get it. He’s being honest, seemingly not doing his own research and is being considerate.
Another fan agreed, saying that there are some people who are allergic to the ingredients in the vaccines.
@NGreat330 @Joeleeo1 @MelKiperESPN There are people literally allergic to ingredients in the vaccines, no different than other medicine like penicillin.
Another commented, saying that not everyone can get vaccinated as they have certain medical issues.
@StefanLong18 @MelKiperESPN Not everyone can get vaccinated, some people have certain medical issues that makes getting vaccinated a bad idea
One fan replied, saying that they hope Kiper stays healthy.
@MelKiperESPN Hope you stay healthy AND your prediction for the @Giants 1sr rnd picks comes true
One fan said that there will now be hate coming the analyst's way for no reason.
@MelKiperESPN Incoming hate for no reason
Another fan commented, saying that they respect the honesty of the analyst.
@MelKiperESPN I respect your honesty and your own medical history is none of our business. I’ve watched the NFL Draft the last three decades and always look forward to your analysis which is the best there is. A NFL Draft without Mel Kiper Jr. is unthinkable.
One fan posted saying that he gave his reasons and is being responsible, so people should just move on.
@MelKiperESPN Can we just leave this one alone. He gave you his reasons and he is being responsible. Can we move on?
One fan replied and stated that they love Kiper for standing up with his own situation.
@MelKiperESPN Outstanding Mel!
Love that ur standing up
Respecting others decisions and them respecting urs!
Another fan congratulated the analyst and thanked him for his hard work each year.
@MelKiperESPN Congrats, and thank you for your hard work each year.
One NFL fan posted and said that Kiper is lucky ESPN understands and even said that their employer would have them fired if they weren't vaccinated.
@MelKiperESPN Get vaccinated! You’re very lucky that ESPN is such an understanding employer. I would be fired if I wasn’t vaccinated.
Mel Kiper Jr explains his decision to not be vaccinated
The 61-year-old put out a statement on Twitter and spoke about his reasons for not getting vaccinated.
He wrote:
"I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN."
I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN https://t.co/C5ea9NjdqK
The draft will have a different feel to it this year since the analyst will not be in attendance, but he will still be breaking down each pick from NFL teams as he has done for ESPN for close to four decades.