Australian Football Star Ousted From Competition for Refusing Vaccine

Deni Varnhagen of the Crows runs with the ball during the 2021 AFLW First Preliminary Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval, in Adelaide, Australia, on April 10, 2021. Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Deni Varnhagen, a registered nurse and Australian rules football player has been placed on her team’s inactive list for the upcoming season after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Varnhagen has publicly opposed the Australian Football League’s (AFL) vaccine mandate, which required all players and staff to receive their first dose by Nov. 19, and the second by Dec. 17.