Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio lightheartedly invoked Dr. Anthony Fauci's repeated use of the Fifth Amendment during a recent Senate committee hearing. Fangio's comments came on Thursday when a reporter questioned the team's plan at the safety position.
"I’m gonna be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on all questions," Fangio said, drawing laughter from reporters. He added, "Did you guys see that? Oh My God."
Dr. Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a contentious Senate hearing on Wednesday concerning COVID-19 and the government's pandemic response. He repeatedly stated, "On the advice of council I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution," even when asked seemingly simple questions.
Fangio later made another reference to Fauci when discussing potential roster moves. A reporter asked if the team had considered bringing back edge rusher Brandon Graham due to an injury to newly signed player Jonathan Greenard. Fangio responded by asking if Eagles GM and president Howie Roseman had been questioned about it, and when told he had, Fangio quipped, "He ducked you? He Fauci’d you?"
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has stated that the committee will vote next week on whether to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer questions, according to The Associated Press.
Despite the lighthearted remarks, Fangio did address the team's safety situation, noting competition within the defensive scheme. "We’re running Marcus there with the first group, with the nickel group," Fangio said. "Cooper [DeJean] with the base group. But [Jalen] Carter is doing fine too. It’s competition."