Former Brisbane Lions footballer, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, is taking legal action against his former club after being forced out of the game for refusing to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. Ellis-Yolmen has filed a $200,000 legal claim against the Lions after he was sidelined in January of last year for not taking the jab. Despite applying for a vaccine exemption on medical and cultural grounds, the AFL denied his request.
In a recent interview, Ellis-Yolmen expressed his frustration at being pushed out of the game. He stated, “I got a medical exemption for everything else in Australia, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it for playing footy, which is ridiculous and in hindsight didn’t make sense. I felt alienated and pretty alone when the AFL promotes such an inclusive, team-first mentality.” It is clear that he believes his concerns about the vaccines were not adequately addressed by the AFL.
According to Ellis-Yolmen’s lawyers, he was coerced into signing a document that allowed Brisbane to pay him only $88,043 of his $294,500 playing contract for the 2022 season. He claims that he signed the letter “under duress” after receiving a strongly-worded legal letter from AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon. Ellis-Yolmen’s legal counsel has notified the Lions that he expects immediate payment of the remaining $206,457 he is owed for the 2022 season.
The former midfielder has cited several reasons for his refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. He informed the league about his “genuine concerns about the effects of the vaccines,” which he claims stem from a previous adverse reaction to the influenza vaccine administered by his former club, the Adelaide Crows. Ellis-Yolmen also revealed that his indigenous background and his history of “serious bronchial issues in childhood” contributed to his deep distrust of the Australian government and medical institutions. His lawyer, Greg Griffin, alleges that the Lions failed to provide him with counseling to address his concerns about the Covid vaccination.
This case raises important questions about the rights of athletes in relation to vaccination mandates in professional sports. While it is crucial to prioritize public health and safety, it is equally important to consider individual circumstances and concerns. As the legal battle unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court addresses these complex issues.
In conclusion, Cam Ellis-Yolmen’s legal action against the Brisbane Lions highlights the challenges faced by athletes who choose not to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. His claims of being forced out of the game and not receiving proper support from his club due to his refusal to be vaccinated bring attention to the need for thoughtful consideration of individual circumstances in the context of vaccination mandates in professional sports. The outcome of this case will have broader implications for athletes and their rights in relation to public health measures.
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