Navy assistant coach Billy Ray Stutzmann fired after failing to receive exemption for COVID-19 vaccine

Navy has fired assistant coach Billy Ray Stutzmann after he didn’t abide by the Naval Academy Athletic Affiliation’s coverage relating to the COVID-19 vaccination. The coverage requires all coaches and workers to be vaccinated in opposition to the virus. Stutzmann says he didn’t obtain a non secular exemption that will have allowed him to remain unvaccinated. 

The Pentagon announced in August that members of the USA army might be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

“Primarily based on my spiritual convictions, and after a lot thought and prayer, I’m unable to observe the necessities of the Naval Academy’s COVID-19 coverage, because it has modified these previous few months,” he wrote on his Twitter account. “After making use of for a non secular exemption and making an attempt to additional negotiate various working preparations, I used to be in the end relieved of my duties right here at Navy. I proceed to face agency in my conviction of religion, however I perceive and respect that every particular person and establishment has a selection on how they want to handle these points. I want Navy soccer nothing by the perfect sooner or later.”

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo has not commented on Stutzmann’s choice, however now-former assistant made a degree to thank his firmer boss.

“I’m extremely grateful to have had the chance to educate at the USA Naval Academy for the previous two seasons beneath head coach Ken Niumatalolo, the place I’ve realized from among the finest within the enterprise. Coach Niumatalolo and his spouse Barbara have made my household’s time in Annapolis very particular and we’re ceaselessly grateful.”

Stutzmann was in his third season on the Navy workers. He performed extensive receiver at Hawaii from 2009-13, totaling 148 catches for 1,845 yards and 9 touchdowns with the Rainbow Warriors. Stutzmann beforehand coached at Western New Mexico School, Emory & Henry, in addition to his alma mater.