John Smoltz refused to get the covid vaccine. As a result, he was not allowed to broadcast live from the MLB Network studio in Seacaucus, NJ. He had been making appearances on the network from his home. Now, the Braves legend’s contract is over and Andrew Marchand reports that he has no plans to re-sign.
Marchand reached out for comment. Smoltz did not respond. MLB Network said that while there is no deal right now, the network has continued to have conversations with him about returning before the end of the season.
FOX is not letting Smoltz go. He is still part of the network’s plans going forward and will call this year’s World Series alongside Joe Davis.
Not being vaccinated against Covid-19 means Smoltz cannot go into restricted areas of Major League Baseball stadiums. Those include locker rooms and on the field during batting practice. There is no problem with him being in a broadcast booth.
Paul O’Neill is going through a similar problem at YES. He remains unvaccinated, which is why he made his first appearance on the Yankees’ network from his home. A spokesman for YES Network would not comment on the network’s vaccine policy.
