ESPN reporter Allison Williams will not be working on the sidelines of college football games this season because she has refused to compl...
ESPN reporter Allison Williams will not be working on the sidelines of college football games this season because she has refused to comply with the network's vaccine mandate while she and her husband try for their second child.
Williams, who began at the network in 2011, typically works college football and basketball games, but missed Week 1 of the ongoing football campaign before making an announcement on Thursday.
'While my work is incredibly important to me, the most important role I have is as a mother,' he's wrote in a statement. 'Throughout our family planning with our doctor, as well as a fertility specialist, I have decided not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time while my husband and I try for a second child. This was a deeply difficult decision to make and it's not something I take lightly.'
ESPN reporter Allison Williams will not be working on the sidelines of college football games this season because she has refused to comply with the network's vaccine mandate while she and her husband try for their second child
Williams explained her absence in a statement, calling the vaccine 'essential,' while adding that right now, taking the injection is not in her best interest
Disney, which owns ESPN, announced in late July that all salaried and non-union hourly employees are required to be vaccinated.
'Employees who aren't already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days from today to complete their protocols and any employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return, with certain limited exceptions,' read Disney's statement on the company vaccine mandate.
Williams has been with ESPN since 2011
Williams did not criticize anyone for getting the vaccine, and even acknowledged that it has been 'essential' in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
'I understand vaccines have been essential in the effort to end this pandemic, however taking the vaccine at this time is not in my best interest,' she continued.
'After a lot of prayer and deliberation, I have decided I must put my family and personal health first. I will miss being on the sidelines and am thankful for the support of my ESPN family. I look forward to when I can return to the games and job that I love.'
According to CDC guidelines, the vaccines have been approved for anyone over the age of 12, including pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding newborn children.
Williams and her husband had a boy in July of 2019, according to her Instagram page.
Williams and her husband had a boy in July of 2019, she revealed on Instagram at the time
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