Normally, you’d see the familiar face — and coif — of Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s NFL Draft expert, on the air on the night of the 2022 event starting Thursday night.
But not this year. And if you’re wondering why he’s appearing from home during the broadcast over the next three days, there’s a reason for that.
Earlier this month, Kiper tweeted a statement explaining that he’s unvaccinated from COVID-19.
“I completely support everyone determining what’s best for their individual circumstance and recognize the value of vaccines,” he wrote. “Simply put, my COVID vaccination decision is very specific to my own personal medical history.”
I am looking forward to being part of the 2022 NFL Draft, my 39th for ESPN pic.twitter.com/C5ea9NjdqK
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 18, 2022