Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19 and will not suit up this week against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, per ESPN.
Breaking: Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday's game vs. the Chiefs, per @AdamSchefter. First reported by NFL Network. pic.twitter.com/hscBcLxIHI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2021
The Packers consider Rodgers to be unvaccinated since the start of the 2021 season. As a result, The Packers placed Rodgers on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list. The NFL is investigating how the Packers have handled COVID-19 protocols. The league’s protocol states that if any player tests positive and is unvaccinated they must quarantine for a minimum of ten days and can not return.
The 37-year-old had an alternative treatment prior to training camp. Rodgers petitioned for the NFL for that treatment to allow him the same consideration as someone who received the approved vaccinations. There was a lengthy exchange between both parties. This ultimately led to them approving Rodgers’ case for exemption. However, the Packers still consider Rodgers to be unvaccinated.
BREAKING: "The Green Bay Packers have known for a very long time that Aaron Rodgers is not vaccinated.. Rodgers has been following the Covid-19 protocols for those that are unvaccinated" ~@RapSheet#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/4HyuyUzi2Y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 3, 2021
Rodgers follows mask protocols while interacting with players and coaches inside the Packer’s facilities, per sources. However, Rodgers doesn’t seem to wear a mask while speaking to the media during his weekly and post-game interviews. Oddly enough, the Packers have arranged for other players who aren’t vaccinated to interview via Zoom. Yet vaccinated players are allowed to do in-person media sessions.
The NFL is aware of the situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing it.
Each club is primarily responsible for enforcing the COVID protocols within their facilities. Failure to do so will result in discipline, as seen in the past.
Aaron Rodgers Explanation to the Green Bay Packers
In August, when asked to speak about his vaccination status, Rodgers mentioned that he is “immune”.
Opposite of a role model:
Aaron Rodgers lies about vaccine status, now contracted COVID. Should be let go. pic.twitter.com/QpyucrS71c— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) November 3, 2021
“There’s a lot of talk about it in the league, with players and owners expressing their views,” Rodgers said. “Some players on the team haven’t been vaccinated, and I respect their personal decision. We’ve also seen vaccinated players test positive for COVID, so it’s an ongoing issue we’ll see throughout the season.”
“In the end, I like to educate myself about everything I do, and I did a lot of research on this as well,” Rodgers added.
