The head coach of the Washington State University football program, Nick Rolovich, is under fire yet again regarding COVID-19. Rolovich previously appeared in headlines after refusing to be vaccinated, disregarding a state-wide vaccination mandate for schools and universities in Washington. It seems that matters are getting worse for Rolovich, as ex-wide receiver Kassidy Woods is suing both his former coach and the university over “harm to his athletic career, lost scholarships and lost educational opportunities as a result of Defendants’ unlawful conduct.”  

Woods, a black student-athlete, was part of the #WeAreUnited Group of players who advocate for racial and social justice issues. The group also focuses on COVID-19 safety protocols. Woods transferred from WSU to Northern Colorado after having a falling-out with Rolovich. The dispute between the two was over Woods’ decision to opt-out of the 2020 season because of pandemic-related safety concerns. The lawsuit holds the university and Rolovich accountable for pushing COVID safety limits, and for racially charged incidents, including a conversation in which the coach criticized Woods’ unity group.