Packers' Aaron Rodgers blasts NFL insiders after 'darkness retreat' reports

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has blasted Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and ESPN's Adam Schefter following reports about Rodgers' upcoming four-day "darkness retreat."

"Let me just reiterate one more time," Rodgers said during his Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," as shared by Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post. "There’s an inner circle. And in my inner circle, nobody talks to Ian Rapoport, to Adam Schefter, or to any of those people. So if you’re one of those people who’s talking to those people, it’s a great reminder to you — you’re not in the inner circle." 

Rapoport and NBC Sports' Peter King were among those who previously suggested Rodgers' four-day darkness period would begin Monday following Super Bowl LVII. 

McAfee poured cold water over such claims on Monday afternoon, and Rodgers said Tuesday the retreat was always scheduled for "the end of this week."

Lashing out at reports is hardly new for Rodgers. Just this past December, he ripped a story that said he allegedly confused teammates over his use of numerous hand signals during games as "exaggerated nothingness" and "complete horse----." 

On Tuesday, Rodgers reminded McAfee neither he nor anybody in his "inner circle" speaks with reporters behind the scenes. 

"I don’t have their numbers," Rodgers continued. "I’ve never met them. And, listen, I’m doing a darkness retreat later this week. I’m excited about it. I didn’t realize how much it would take off."

Rodgers was willing to admit Rapoport and Schefter "are really good at their jobs" but just "don’t know s---" about the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

King added in his story that "a few league or team people" reacted negatively upon learning that Rodgers intended to spend four days and four nights in total darkness and isolation before announcing his plans for the 2023 campaign. 

However, recently retired quarterback Tom Brady later backed Rodgers choosing his "unique way to process the season."

The new NFL year opens on March 15, so the Packers along with any teams that might want to trade for Rodgers would probably prefer for the 39-year-old to enter and exit the darkness as quickly as possible.