SHOCKING 2025 NEWS: Braden Smith Refuses to Sign New NCAA COVID-19 Medical Commitment – Says…

SHOCKING 2025 NEWS: Purdue Star Braden Smith Refuses to Sign New NCAA COVID-19 Medical Commitment – Says “My Body, My Choice”

July 8, 2025 | By College Hoops Report Staff

West Lafayette, IN – In a surprise move shaking the college basketball world, Braden Smith, standout point guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, has refused to sign the NCAA’s updated COVID-19 Medical Commitment Form ahead of the 2025–2026 season.

Smith, now a junior and one of the top returning players in the country, reportedly declined the updated agreement over concerns about medical privacy and personal autonomy. The form includes new provisions related to vaccination status, testing requirements during flu/COVID season, and mandatory wearable health-monitoring devices for select athletes.

Smith Speaks Out: “My Body, My Choice”

Smith addressed the issue in a press conference Monday afternoon, standing firm in his decision:

“I’m not against health or safety. I’ve followed every reasonable protocol for the last few years. But I’m not going to sign something that gives up control of my body or my medical decisions. It’s about choice — and I choose to stand my ground,” he told reporters.

He added that while he respects the NCAA’s effort to protect athletes, he believes the revised agreement goes “too far” and creates “a precedent that could lead to future overreach.”

NCAA Response

The NCAA has yet to issue an official response, but sources close to the governing body confirm that refusal to sign the medical commitment could result in ineligibility for official practices and games until resolved.

One anonymous NCAA official stated:

“These policies are based on updated public health guidance and are designed to protect athletes, staff, and fans. We’re open to dialogue but won’t compromise on baseline safety standards.”

What’s in the New COVID-19 Medical Commitment?

The updated form — introduced quietly last month — includes several controversial additions:

• Annual booster disclosures for student-athletes

• Seasonal rapid testing for respiratory illnesses

• Wearable health monitors during official team activities

• Consent to share anonymized health data with NCAA partners and researchers

While many schools have adopted the measures without pushback, Smith’s public refusal may ignite broader resistance.

Teammates and Coaches React

Purdue head coach Matt Painter remained diplomatic, saying:

“We support Braden as a person and as a player. We’re working through the issue with him and the university’s compliance staff.”

Several teammates have expressed support privately, calling Smith’s stance “brave” and saying it’s “about more than basketball.”

What’s Next?

With fall practice just weeks away, Smith’s future at Purdue — and possibly his NCAA eligibility — hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, conversations around athlete rights, medical consent, and NCAA policy enforcement are heating up fast.