OPINION:Rodgers’ Lie, Packers Inaction Should Have Big Consequences

The vaccination status of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is irrelevant, but the fact that he lied about it and repeatedly broke league protocols should have a significant impact on the rest of his team’s season.

When Rodgers was asked a direct, yes-or-no question about if he was vaccinated, the first thing that came out of his mouth was “yeah.”

In August, he followed his “yeah” with “I have been immunized” and everyone moved on. On multiple occasions he also spoke about how he didn’t judge those who didn’t get vaccinated — as if he was somehow different from them. Last week, it was revealed that Rodgers had not actually been vaccinated, when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out for at least 10 days.

Rodgers’ feelings about being vaccinated don’t matter. The fact that he lied about it also allowed him — and the team — to break league rules in plain sight. Because Rodgers it not vaccinated, he was supposed to operate by a separate set of rules. The same set of rules his teammates had to follow and those around the league were bound by. 

But Rodgers didn’t due that.

The Packers claim they and Rodgers did not violate any of the leagues rules. Rodgers made the same claim on the Pat McAfee show last week, minutes after acknowledging he broke one rule that he just didn’t think he should have to follow. 

Rodgers alluded to the fact that he knew he was supposed to wear a face covering in press conferences, but didn’t think it was necessary because everyone else in the room was vaccinated and wearing a mask. You don’t have to read between the lines to realize he was saying he thinks he’s above everyone else. The Packers make every other unvaccinated player wear a mask in such settings. 

Rodgers has given nearly 20 press conferences, all in person and all without wearing a face covering. 

The rules for players who are not vaccinated also prevent players from attending large, indoor gatherings. Rodgers hosted a large, indoor Halloween party — with several teammates in attendance. 

Like with all rules, there are punishments. As Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press Gazette reported, Rodgers could be suspended four games for repeatedly violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols. 

It’s hard to see how Rodgers was allowed to continue with his charade when the league knew the truth all along. Reports on Sunday indicated Rodgers and the team would be fined, not suspended — something some of the league’s owners are pushing back on.

Even if one were to look beyond the rules, do the Packers not pay Rodgers well enough for him to at least limit his risk? Was a Halloween party in the middle of a successful season really worth it?

The Packers seemed to be a sure bet to be the top seed in the NFC and the favorite to win the Super Bowl. If Rodgers is punished as league rules seem to state he should be, it’s hard to see how the Packers hold onto the top seed. 

The issue isn’t about vaccines, it’s about rules. The Packers and Rodgers clearly and intentionally violated them and they should be punished accordingly.