Nick Rolovich, WSU respond to allegations of COVID risk, racial inequity

Washington State University and former head football coach Nick Rolovich now face a lawsuit alleging unnecessary COVID-19 risks, free-speech violations and racial discrimination, according to the Whitman County Watch. Former Cougars wide receiver Kassidy Woods brought the suit against his former school, claiming unjust backlash from his decision to opt out during the 2020 season.

“The treatment that Woods received and the acts by Rolovich were in direct retaliation for the exercise of civil rights secured by … the First Amendment,” reads the complaint, acquired by the Whitman Country Watch and posted on August 31. “Rolovich’s acts were racist, intentional, malicious, willful, wanton, and in gross and reckless disregard of Woods’ constitutional rights.”

Woods participated in several social and racial justice efforts at Washington State, according to the lawsuit. In 2020, he joined other Pac-12 players in the #WeAreUnited movement. He took part in the student-led call for COVID-19 safety protocols, racial equity measures and financial responsibility.

Wednesday, attorneys for Washington State University and Nick Rolovich responded to the lawsuit. The two parties have since ended their working relationship over COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

Nick Rolovich’s response

The response to allegations, officially dated Oct. 29, 2021, was acquired by the Whitman County Watch and disseminated on Nov. 3. Within the document, attorneys deny several allegations from the initial lawsuit, ceding a few key admitted areas.

Rolovich, who was fired for-cause after failing to meet the state’s vaccine mandate, also denied additional COVID-19 risk. The school admits to several protocols which were followed properly. It provides direct refence to an incident which led Kassidy Woods into quarantine after possible exposure.

“Defendants deny any nonchalance regarding COVID-19 risks or an environment where safety protocols were not in place,” the statement reads. “Defendants admit at one point in July 2020 after Woods returned to Pullman, he was isolated due to a potential COVID exposure.”

It continues: “Defendants further admit that identities of individuals who tested positive were not disseminated among the team due to HIPPA concerns.”

Among the most important areas within the carefully worded response is item 35, on page six of the document.

In relation to Woods’ allegation of inequitable treatment, it reads: “admitted in part, denied in part. Defendants admit that Woods did not receive meals in the same way players who had not opted out of the upcoming season received meals. Any allegation or inference from an allegation not specifically admitted is denied.”

For reference, the admission directly responds to the following item from page 10 of Woods’ complaint.

“Since campus was closed at this time to everyone but the athletes, there were no options available to Woods to even receive meals normally provided to players during the pre-season period as part of the contract for athletic services.”

The resulting impact of this statement remains unclear. However, it provides credence to Woods’ claims of unequitable treatment – whether by race, playing status or otherwise – under Nick Rolovich.