Having beforehand introduced again in August that he was “immunized,” Rodgers went on to say on Friday that he was “within the crosshairs of the woke mob proper now” over his vaccination standing and that the media was on a “witch hunt” to search out out which gamers have been vaccinated.
In his absence, second-year quarterback Jordan Love will face the Chiefs.
“What a shock, what a shock that that is the man we thought was so good and well-read and it seems that he would not even have the braveness or the center to say he wasn’t vaccinated, in all probability as a result of he was terrified of that ‘woke mob.'”
Rodgers stated he didn’t get vaccinated as a result of he has an allergy to an ingredient within the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and was scared in regards to the potential uncomfortable side effects from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In an interview with CNN, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport stated Rodgers has been following NFL Covid-19 pointers for unvaccinated gamers which require day by day testing even on off days and the carrying of protecting masks indoors.
Nevertheless, Rapoport says the NFL will examine how strictly the protocols have been applied as a result of Rodgers has been noticed not carrying a masks throughout some indoor press conferences with reporters at Lambeau Area. Unvaccinated gamers are required to put on masks at their membership facility and whereas touring.
“He has, in his phrases, been ‘immunized’ which is he is sought a holistic or homeopathic remedy — very costly remedy — to attempt to elevate his antibody ranges after which went to the NFL and the NFLPA (Gamers Affiliation) and their joint medical doctors to get what is actually an exemption,” Rapoport stated.
“He tried to get them to say: ‘OK, due to the place your antibody ranges are, you’re allowed to say that you’re vaccinated.’ The NFL, the NFLPA and joint medical doctors didn’t permit that so he was formally dominated to be unvaccinated. That’s the actuality, that’s the reason Aaron Rodgers, regardless of type of main the general public to imagine that he’s vaccinated, his official standing is that he didn’t obtain the Covid-19 vaccination.”
NFL Covid-19 protocols state vaccinated gamers who check constructive and stay asymptomatic are eligible to return after testing unfavorable twice in a 24-hour span. Unvaccinated gamers are required to quarantine for 10 days after which check unfavorable to return.
What fines may Rodgers face?
The NFL stated it’s reviewing the scenario. A league spokesperson instructed CNN in an announcement: “The first accountability for enforcement of the Covid Protocols inside Membership services rests with every Membership.
“Failure to correctly implement the protocols has resulted in self-discipline being assessed towards particular person Golf equipment prior to now. The league is conscious of the present scenario in Inexperienced Bay and can be reviewing with the Packers.”
The fines an unvaccinated participant can face for breaching Covid-19 protocols could be steep.
Gathering outdoors of the staff facility or staff journey in teams of greater than three gamers may end up in a wonderful of $14,650.
Participating in in-person conferences, practices and coaching actions outdoors of staff services with different gamers or workers can be punishable by a $14,650 wonderful.
Attending an indoor nightclub, an indoor bar — the bar and nightclub each will need to have greater than 10 individuals — a home gathering of greater than 15 individuals, an indoor live performance or one other sporting occasion — except the participant is seated in a separated seating part, comparable to a collection or proprietor’s field, is carrying PPE, and there are not more than 10 individuals in that separate seating part — all with out carrying protecting gear or masks, are punishable with a $14,650 wonderful.
Refusal to undergo testing ends in a $50,000 wonderful, whereas repeat offenders of any protocols can be subjected to “elevated self-discipline,” the NFL explains.
Brennan added: “(Rodgers) might be fined by the Nationwide Soccer League, however it’s a little bit slap on the wrist. He is also suspended. The percentages are that will probably be extra the Packers which can be checked out and get some type of a wonderful. My guess is will probably be a wonderful.”
What subsequent for the Packers?
With Rodgers in Covid-19 protocols and unable to play in Sunday’s conflict towards the Chiefs, the accountability falls to Like to handle the staff’s offense.
Filling in for the NFL’s reigning MVP is not any imply feat. However doing so in your first NFL common season begin is much more tough.
Love, who will make his first profession common season begin in a raucous Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas Metropolis, has solely performed briefly since being drafted within the first spherical final 12 months.
He did not function within the 2020 season, however performed within the fourth quarter of the Packers’ Week 1 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.
With a season beneath his belt and severe time spent on the follow fields, Love has earned the respect of the veterans in his locker room.
“You may see him getting snug and extra assured every day and actually getting an understanding of the offense.”
And Love could have lots using on his shoulders come Sunday, because the Packers look to win their eighth straight sport to stay atop the NFC standings.
However will probably be a baptism of fireside for the 23-year-old: going through famous person QB Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs as they appear to win their second straight sport within the hopes of resurrecting their season.
