Offensive lineman SirVincent Rogers of the Edmonton Elks confirmed Tuesday he’s tested positive for COVID-19.
“I tested positive days ago for COVID, & the reservation I initially had about the vaccines has changed,” Rogers tweeted. “Personally, I have only had minor symptoms… (nasal congestion, smell/taste was off, a bit sluggish, no pain, and no fever).”
Rogers also said he decided in May to receive two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
“I did so to protect myself, my family, & anyone else I’d encounter,” Rogers said. “I urge anyone in doubt to consider the vaccines from a viewpoint of protection from COVID, not prevention.
“It might save your life, and at the least eliminate the life-altering symptoms commonly associated (with the virus).”
The six-foot-four, 319-pound Rogers opened the season on the six-game injured list.
Edmonton cancelled its walkthrough last Friday due to coronavirus protocols. The team’s season-opening game against Ottawa went ahead as scheduled, with the Redblacks claiming a 16-12 victory Saturday night.
While in isolation, Rogers appeared on a video call to take questions from reporters on Tuesday afternoon and said he still does not no how he contracted the virus.
“(I) was kind of caught off guard by it,” he said. “I don’t know how severely ill I’d be if I didn’t have the vaccination, or if my life would be threatened at this point if I didn’t have the vaccination already.
“I do believe in the whole personal choice thing, and I understand everybody feels differently about it — some of us agree, some of us don’t. I just wanted to be particular about my personal experience (and) being someone who was on the fence about it.”
Rogers said he was initially somewhat hesitant about getting vaccinated right away because of how quickly they were developed and because he had questions about the effect they could have on different people.
“(I was) just hesitant to jump out and get it early on… (but then) made the bold decision to do it to protect myself and my family and also others.
“In hindsight, I’m glad I did.”
Rogers said not everyone in the Elks’ locker room shares the same view on vaccines but added the subject is not a taboo among players. He said he would not feel afraid of speaking to players who have doubts about vaccines.
“I would only speak from my personal experience… but I would definitely urge anyone that’s openminded to get vaccinated,” he said.
“It’s probably the best decision at this time, because it seems this virus isn’t going away any time soon.”
Rogers said he hopes the CFL is able to increase the rate of vaccination among players because COVID-19 has the potential to disrupt a player or a team’s season as well as presenting a health risk.
“This is how we feed our families. This is our livelihood. And I think regardless of what side of the fence you’re on as far as vaccinations, those guys that decide not to, I would just hope… and I believe they’re going to do all they can to protect themselves and everybody else.”
Rogers said it was difficult for him to have to watch the Elks lose their season opener while in isolation last week. He said it’s his understanding that after 10 days of isolation, he will be tested again and if the test is negative, he should be cleared to return to the football field.
“I’m a resilient man,” he said. “(I’m) anxious to get back with the guys.
“I’m definitely looking forward to us bouncing back.”
–With files from Global News’ Phil Heidenreich