Quarterback Aaron Rodgers publicly criticized ESPN, calling the network "gutless" for its handling of a reported affair between New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini. Rodgers made these remarks during a live appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," a program licensed by ESPN.
The controversy stems from photos published by The New York Post in March, showing Vrabel and Russini at a resort in Arizona. Both individuals are married.
Russini, who has since resigned from her position at The Athletic, has denied any affair, stating she stands by her published work. Vrabel initially denied the allegations alongside Russini's claims that they were at the resort with friends. However, he later announced he had started counseling to "be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be" and missed the third day of the NFL Draft with the Patriots.
Rodgers alleged that ESPN appeared to instruct its reporters to avoid discussing the scandal, despite its prominence during the NFL offseason. "What are the network (ESPN) doing?" Rodgers asked during the show. "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 f***ing talk about it?"
Rodgers further questioned the implications if individuals involved in such a scandal also hold influence, such as being MVP or Coach of the Year voters. "I understand, but if it's affecting certain things. If there's leaks going on, if there's tampering going on... if that person is also an MVP voter and a Coach of the Year voter? ... How are we allowing these people to have an impact?"
During the same appearance, Rodgers also made critical remarks about Dr. Anthony Fauci and discussed his recent reunion with his family. Rodgers stated that details of his family reconciliation were "nobody's f***ing business" and indicated a desire to step away from public attention. "I'm going to be out of the light, so I might as well get a couple in," he said, referring to his critical remarks. "Especially when I get a chance to get after that gutless organization you have to be connected with. I just don't care any more. All I care about is getting out there on that field and playing my best ball."