Former Washington State University head football coach Nick Rolovich's legal challenge against his dismissal for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine has been unsuccessful. A federal judge ruled against Rolovich, stating that accommodating his refusal would have placed an undue burden on the university.

Judge Thomas Rice, an Obama appointee, determined that Washington State University would have faced significant hardships, including increased travel expenses and negative impacts on recruitment and fundraising, had they retained Rolovich. The university also cited potential damage to its reputation as a factor in its decision.

Rolovich and four assistant coaches were fired in October 2021 for non-compliance with a state mandate requiring vaccination for all state employees. Rolovich's lawsuit alleged wrongful termination and discriminatory conduct by athletic director Pat Chun. He claimed a religious exemption based on his Catholic faith, but the judge dismissed this argument, citing Rolovich's documented secular concerns about the vaccine.

Following his dismissal, several players voiced their support for Rolovich. Former WSU player and current Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson praised Rolovich's character and influence, while former punter Nick Haberer highlighted the coach's mentorship and life lessons. Rolovich himself later alleged that the athletic director had proposed a public vaccination event on the football field, a suggestion he declined.

Interestingly, Judge Rice had previously ruled on a case involving increased access to abortion medication, preventing federal authorities from restricting access to mifepristone in 17 states that had filed suit.