A defensive back for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will begin the transferal process from the New Jersey school due to its vaccine requirements for students.
Peyton Powell is a former four-star recruit from Texas who initially gave a verbal commitment to Utah and spent a few months with Baylor University. He announced on Twitter he would be leaving Rutgers University and will enter the transfer portal.
“The University of Rutgers has made the COVID vaccine mandatory to attend school and play football, therefore I have no other choice but to enter my name into the transfer portal,” he tweeted.
NFL COACHES GETTING SHOVED OUT OF SEASON BY COVID-19 RULES
The University of Rutgers has made the COVID vaccine mandatory to attend school and play football, therefore I have no other choice but to enter my name into the transfer portal.
— Peyton Powell (@PPowell_) August 24, 2021
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said Powell was not part of the Scarlet Knights’ roster at the start of training camp earlier this summer, according to USA Today. Prior to the start of training camp, the team’s vaccination rate was higher than 90%, Schiano added.
Powell expressed optimism and excitement about the upcoming season in the months before his decision to transfer, according to his social media posts. However, his posts came before the school announced the vaccine mandate in March.
“We are committed to health and safety for all members of our community, and adding COVID-19 vaccination to our student immunization requirements will help provide a safer and more robust college experience for our students,” Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said in a March 25 press release.
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Other officials in the sport have been cut off from participating due to failures to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
In the NFL, at least two assistant coaches, one from the New England Patriots and another with the Minnesota Vikings, will not participate this year over failure to meet the league’s vaccine requirements.
