Washington Nationals, VP Bob Boone part ways after vaccine mandate

The Washington Nationals and Vice President Bob Boone are parting ways over the team's vaccine mandate for all full-time staff, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Driving the news: The Nationals informed staff of the vaccine mandate on Aug. 14. Employees had until Aug. 26 to provide either proof of full vaccination or one dose of the vaccine or apply for an exemption, per WashPost.

• Employees who have not gotten vaccinated are now on unpaid administrative leave and have until Sept. 15 to comply or "have their contracts terminated," the Post reported.

The big picture: Boone has been with the team since 2005 and is a senior adviser to general manager Mike Rizzo, ESPN notes.

• The Nationals also told eight of its scouts Wednesday they will not be with the team next season. Two of the departures were a result of the new vaccine policy, The Athletic reported.
• Other teams have also implemented vaccine mandates for non-playing staff, including the Houston Astros. The Baltimore Orioles told staff Monday that all full-time and part-time year-round employees must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 31.

Editor's note: The headline has been updated to say the Washington Nationals and Vice President Bob Boone are parting ways. It is unclear if Boone resigned.