Jordan Stephenson – Staff Writer
Aaron Rodgers had a very controversial couple of weeks: from him contracting COVID, from his deception video and from the comments he made while in quarantine. Many sports analysts were speaking on this topic consistently the past couple of weeks. In his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers wanted to make clear some of the comments he had made, which was heavily criticized by many sports analysts.
Rodgers tested positive on Nov. 3 and was immediately placed on the COVID-19 list. He told reporters in August that he was “immunized,” but it was then revealed that he was unvaccinated.
Rodgers said to McAfee, “I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading, and to anybody who felt misled by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments.” He said, “I’m excited about moving forward and hopefully getting back with my team and getting back to doing what I do best, and that’s playing ball.”
Rodgers also said, “It’s been tough being away from it, and I’ve been obviously dealing with Covid; I feel like I’m on the other side of it, thankfully, and I’m thankful to still be able to have something to look forward to this weekend hopefully.”
He then said, “I just do believe there’s a health hurdle that I have to {clear} as far as like movement, sweating, getting into it, and making sure my body and especially my heart is fine with physical exertion.”
Rodgers’ reasons for not getting vaccinated was because he was allergic to the mRNA vaccines, and he stands by his decision. He continues to consult many friends and doctors who have contracted Covid. He doesn’t want to be considered an unofficial voice for the unvaccinated. He said, “I’m an athlete but I’m not an activist; I’m going to get back to do doing what I do best, and that’s playing ball.”
Rodgers doesn’t listen to or read the many comments that are made about him, but also admitted he was definitely aware of the negative reactions.
On Nov. 9, the National Football League completed its thorough review of the Packers COVID-19 protocols. League sources revealed the Packers were fined $300,000. Also, Rodgers and Allen Lazard were both fined $14,650 for violation of many protocols.
The Packers cooperated fully with the NFL investigation, and that was taken into consideration. The NFL investigated Rodgers not wearing a mask during news conferences and reviewed videos inside the facility.
Rodgers isolated and quarantined for 10 days, then he was eventually taken off the COVID list on Saturday morning. He was luckily able to play and help the Packers beat the Seahawks in an improbable shutout (17-0). This was a great collective win by the Packers, even though running back Aaron Jones left the game with a mild mcl sprain in his knee.
This great win should help Rodgers and the Packers move past the controversial COVID situation.
stepj39@mail.broward.edu