Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio referenced Dr. Anthony Fauci's recent Capitol Hill testimony during a press conference on Thursday, eliciting laughter from reporters.
Fauci, the former chief medical advisor, appeared before a congressional committee on Wednesday, where he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer questions from senators. Reports indicate he used the Fifth Amendment a total of 111 times during the nearly three-hour hearing.
Fangio, when asked a question by a reporter, humorously responded, "I'm going to be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on questions. Did you see that?"
Later in the press conference, Fangio made another allusion to Fauci's testimony when discussing interactions with Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman. "You guys had Howie up here yesterday, you should've asked him that," Fangio said. "He ducked you? He Fauci'd you?"
During the hearing, Fauci accused Senator Rand Paul of an "unhinged obsession" with him and stated that the senator's sole purpose for calling him to testify was to elicit a statement that could lead to his prosecution. Fauci's attorney was reportedly removed by security after attempting to speak on Fauci's behalf.
Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment came amid questioning about the origins of COVID-19. He asserted his right against self-incrimination in response to numerous inquiries from lawmakers.