Aaron Rodgers went on the attack Monday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The Steelers quarterback ripped ESPN and other networks for staying quiet on two storylines he says matter.
What We Know: Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and challenged ESPN’s coverage choices. He questioned why the network gave little attention to Dianna Russini’s reported situation involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, including her role as an MVP and Coach of the Year voter. In addition, he pivoted to Dr. Anthony Fauci, reviving a fight over COVID-19 vaccine policy that fueled his most controversial McAfee appearances. Still, Rodgers found room for some praise, crediting Stephen A. Smith for apologizing to Kyrie Irving.
What They Said: (All quotes from The Pat McAfee Show)
Aaron Rodgers questions why ESPN didn’t cover Dianna Russini’s saga with Mike Vrabel: “There was another scandal this off-season too involving a voter for MVP for Coach of the Year. How much time did your network [ESPN] spend? Did your network spend on that?”
Aaron Rodgers believes networks should have covered Dianna Russini more: “What are the networks doing? You have literally an individual that maybe used to work at ESPN that covers our league at the highest level. And there’s a major scandal, and it’s just like nobody can fu**ing talk about it. What are we doing? If it’s affecting certain things. If there’s leaks going on, if there’s tampering going on, or if that person is also an MVP voter and a coach of the year voter, remember when I won MVP in 2021? Yeah, that’s real life. Like, how are we allowing these people to have an impact?”
Aaron Rodgers critical of ESPN’s approach to subjects being discussed: “There’s been a lot of silence. I feel like 19 seconds about one subject. Oh, don’t talk about that. We can talk about Rex Ryan’s foot fetish, but please don’t talk about anything else right now. Don’t talk about you know any scandals involved. Talk about pop culture. Talk about Taylor and Travis’s wedding. Yeah, what do the insiders know about that? But don’t talk about you know s**t that actually has to do with our business. Or righting wrongs from the past.”
Aaron Rodgers questions why ESPN didn’t cover Anthony Fauci’s recent testimony: “You got a pardon. You pleaded over 100 times at the White House. What are you scared of, Tony? I thought you were the science. I thought you were ‘I am science,’ and you get up there and you can’t answer a question. How much time did the network [ESPN] spend on that? How much time did they spend on my responses every week on my vaccination status. Did they do even a minute? Did they do even a minute on Tony Fauci? I bet they didn’t.”
Aaron Rodgers compliments Stephen A. Smith for apologizing to Kyrie Irving: “I got to give flowers to Stephen A. Smith, my old friend Stephen A. Because he was man enough to actually admit and apologize to Kyrie Irving. So, I got to give shout out to my guy Stephen A. You are not a coward. I appreciate you.”
Aaron Rodgers challenging ESPN to criticize him now: “Seriously, what are you gonna say about me now? Now, you can’t talk about the COVID stuff because obviously it was made in a lab in China. That’s like not even questionable anymore. Tony Fauci is an absolute criminal. I’m on good terms with my family. What are you going to say now?”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t responded publicly to Rodgers’ airtime complaints. Whether or not Rodgers will make any future appearances is unknown.
What It Means: Should ESPN and McAfee known that Rodgers would use the moment on the network to call out the network? Possibly. Rodgers obviously still is hurting from the criticisms lobbied his way from old wounds with ESPN. Additionally, this likely will be Rodgers’ final appearance this season on ESPN programming. Moreover, his criticisms put fresh scrutiny on Russini’s reporting relationships and how networks vet potential conflicts. For McAfee’s show, it’s another polarizing moment that keeps Rodgers appointment viewing. Ultimately, ESPN’s response — or silence — will shape what comes next.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.