Aaron Rodgers’ return to New York Jets practice has spurred many conspiracy theories
When Aaron Rodgers chose the New York Jets as his next destination, his beef with the media followed him to the world’s biggest stage. Rodgers became persona non grata among many media members during the Covid-19 pandemic when he claimed to have been “immunized” from Covid but later revealed he opposed the vaccine.
One of the charges frequently lobbied at Rodgers is that he is a conspiracy theorist, believing many alternative ideas about medicine rather than trusting traditional science. His foray into a darkness retreat during the offseason and speaking engagement at a psychedelics conference reinforced that impression.
The truth
Those who claim to oppose Rodgers on principle may have revealed their true colors. When the Jets opened Rodgers’ 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve, social media rumors began to spread that the Jets quarterback did not, in fact, rupture his Achilles. In fact, some went as far as to suggest that Rodgers faked the whole thing.
Former ESPN host Dan Le Batard is one of the primary culprits. He recently challenged Rodgers to a debate about the injury, claiming that Rodgers suffered only a high ankle sprain. When the 49ers upset the Packers in the 2021 NFC Divisional Round, Le Batard called Green Bay’s loss “a victory for science.”
FOX Sports’ Emmanuel Acho is another analyst whose opposition to Rodgers deserves renewed scrutiny. Acho questioned Rodgers’ motives for returning, claiming that it was simply for attention and drama and not to help the Jets win. The former Eagles linebacker previously objected to Rodgers’ obfuscation regarding his vaccination status. He has also accused Rodgers of being attention-seeking in the past on the Speak for Yourself podcast.
There are many other media members with this same track record. They’re all buying into a ludicrous conspiracy theory about Rodgers that is difficult to justify medically. The pop in Rodgers’ Achilles was apparent on replay. Furthermore, his recovery is based on the latest medical protocols for Achilles tears and is not as far ahead of the recovery timetable for the protocol he has followed.
Those who accuse Rodgers of being a crazy conspiracy theorist are now subscribing to a crazy conspiracy theory. Pot, meet kettle?
Why the hate?
In truth, Rodgers draws the media’s ire because he lied to them. Period. It isn’t really about the vaccine itself, although it’s certainly a convenient justification for such hatred. Once Rodgers lied to the public, all of his other idiosyncrasies became viewed as pernicious rather than quirky.
The fact is that Rodgers had no obligation to reveal to the public whether or not he had been vaccinated. His biggest mistake was misleading the media by using the term “immunized” rather than simply declining to answer questions about his vaccination status. Other sports figures responded in just that way, perhaps breeding speculation but not the same furor.
Still, lying to the media is not a crime, nor is it something to take any note of. Just ask Robert Saleh. The objections to Rodgers’ tendency toward conspiratorial thinking are therefore exposed as blustering righteous indignation covering the jealousy of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Disliking Rodgers personally is one thing. Media members dislike individual players all the time, just as fans do. But the level of hatred directed at Rodgers reaches a whole new level, and the hypocrisy involved is exposed in the conspiracy theories regarding his injury.
Either way, this will likely be a moot point. Rodgers stated he will return only if the Jets are in playoff contention. At this point, they are all but mathematically eliminated. He has also explained that he’s not fully healthy yet — in keeping with the newest recovery protocols.
Just don’t ask the media to believe it.
