The New England Patriots shocked the world by cutting former MVP Cam Newton without any real reasoning. While there could have been numerous reasons for the split, one factor that seems to stand out more is Newton’s vaccination status against COVID-19.
Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley reports that the main factors were Newton’s uninspiring play, Jones’ emergence, and Newton being unvaccinated.
Beasley says that Newton’s vaccination stance “caused a bit of a stir behind the scenes.” Last week, Newton missed five days due to a testing misunderstanding. The team reportedly was frustrated with him over the situation.
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Newton missed five days of practice last week with what he and the team called a “misunderstanding” of the NFL’s COVID protocols. He had gone to an approved, off-site medical appointment, and while he was tested for COVID on the day of his appointment, he didn’t get tested at the Patriots’ facility. That was a violation of the league’s COVID protocols.
While we don’t know if not being vaccinated was the sole reason Newton was cut, it definitely played a major part in why he is no longer a Patriot.