Aaron Rodgers: 'I take full responsibility' for misleading immunization statement
Aaron Rodgers is apologizing to those who feel the Green Bay Packers quarterback misled with his response to reporters about his vaccination status in August.
Rodgers once again joined the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing controversy. The NFL MVP told McAfee that he takes “full responsibility” while acknowledging that he’s a role model.
“I’m an athlete, not an activist,” Rodgers added. “So I’m going to get back to doing what I do best, and that’s playing ball.”
After testing positive for COVID-19 and the Packers had to play without him on Sunday versus the Chiefs, the quarterback’s initial response was more defensive.
“I just want to say that is what the media has been trying to do,” Rodgers said. “They’re trying to shame and out and cancel all of us non-vaccinated people, call us selfish. That’s the propaganda line, too: ‘You’re selfish for making the decision that’s in the best interest of your body.’
“Now, I’ve already spelled out — which I didn’t have to — but I spelled out the issues of my own personal body and my own personal health.”
The vet has 1,894 passing yards in eight games with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Packers play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in the late afternoon window.
Rodgers ‘upset’ by backlash
Aaron Rodgers is reportedly “upset” over the response after sharing his point of view on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Sources told People Magazine that Rodgers feels he’s being “crucified” over his decision to firstly, skip vaccination, and secondly, to seemingly mislead the media over his vaccination status.
“(He) feels like he just shared his point of view, and now he’s being crucified for it,” the source said. “He knew some people would disagree with him, but he didn’t know that it would become the shitstorm it became. People who he thought were friends are turning on him.”
“He’s upset,” the source added. “He’s very unhappy with the response to him.”
Apparently, Rodgers thought his explanations would make things better, however, they seem to have made things worse. He lost a partnership with a Wisconsin health provider after his statements. However, State Farm sent out a statement of support, while limiting his appearances in their ads over the weekend.