ESPN executives are reportedly furious with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers following his critical remarks about the network during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers, who is preparing for his final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, called ESPN "gutless" and "cowardly" while also launching into a blistering COVID-19 rant targeting Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Rodgers' comments, made from the Steelers' training camp, have led to internal deliberations at ESPN regarding how the network will cover him throughout the upcoming season. "ESPN executives are extremely unhappy with Aaron Rodgers following his comments on The Pat McAfee Show and are now weighing how they want to handle coverage of his highlights during the upcoming season," a source told the Daily Mail. "The feeling internally is that there is little desire to go out of the network's way to promote Rodgers after he publicly criticized ESPN, and any hope of repairing that relationship is believed to be virtually nonexistent."
While ESPN licenses McAfee's show, Rodgers does not receive a fee from the network for his appearances; McAfee pays guests out of his own pocket. Nevertheless, the criticism aired on ESPN's platform has caused significant consternation at the network's Bristol, Connecticut, headquarters.
Sources indicate that ESPN is contemplating how to handle coverage of Rodgers, suggesting that a future broadcasting career with the network might be unlikely for him. "There is also a sense that, if Rodgers ever decided he wanted to pursue a future as a television analyst ESPN would not be a realistic landing spot," the source added. "Many within the company are said to have little interest in working with him after his comments about the network and politically charged nonsense."
Adding another layer to the tension, ESPN is set to broadcast the upcoming Super Bowl, which Rodgers could potentially reach with the Steelers. This prospect has reportedly caused further concern among network executives. "Looking ahead, on the minds of many at ESPN, is that most are crossing their fingers that the Pittsburgh Steelers don't reach the Super Bowl," the source stated. "ESPN is broadcasting the game, and having Rodgers in that game would create a number of challenges, from securing interviews and behind-the-scenes access to navigating the obvious tension surrounding his relationship with the network."
Rodgers also criticized ESPN's handling of the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel affair scandal, questioning why the network did not seem to cover it more extensively. He alleged that despite the scandal potentially having sporting consequences, reporters were seemingly discouraged from discussing it. "What are the network [ESPN] 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 f***ing talk about it? What are we even doing here?" Rodgers questioned. He further elaborated that if personal relationships could influence MVP or Coach of the Year voting, then they should be subject to scrutiny.
Rodgers' comments about Dr. Anthony Fauci stemmed from his long-standing skepticism regarding vaccines and his outspoken views on the COVID-19 pandemic. He referred to Fauci as a "criminal" in response to Fauci's invocation of the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing.
The quarterback also briefly touched upon his recent reconciliation with his family, though he stressed the personal nature of these reunions. He noted a "full circle" of events in the past year, including reconnecting with his father, Ed, and spending time with his mother, Darla, and other family members, stating that the details are "nobody's f***ing business."
ESPN declined to comment when reached by the Daily Mail. The Pittsburgh Steelers are considered underdogs to make a deep playoff run this season, facing strong competition in their division and from other teams.