Panthers players are checking in for training camp in Spartanburg, today. Some of the more-prominent members of the roster have been speaking with the media.
The two most important players on offense this coming season will be new starting quarterback Sam Darnold and star running back Christian McCaffrey. The pair struck a bond over the offseason, celebrating their birthdays together and dining out in Charlotte hotspots. One thing they seem to have in common is their stance on vaccination disclosure. Both declined to comment on their status today while speaking with reporters unmasked.
Neither Sam Darnold nor Christian McCaffrey would comment on their vaccination status. But they also were hanging around a group of reporters unmasked.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2021
We don’t know about specific players, but Carolina has one of the league’s highest-vaccination rates. They may not want to admit it in public, but it’s tough to believe they wouldn’t get the shot given how critical they are for this team and the many restrictions facing players who refuse to be vaccinated.
Players can also get fined $14,650 for COVID violations this year. Additionally, teams that are forced to cancel games due to outbreaks will forfeit and be subject to further discipline.
