Despite throwing just one pass this season, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to make headlines for his controversial and inflammatory comments on the Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers appears weekly on ESPN’s flagship show, discussing football, vaccines, and other hot topics. The four-time NFL MVP will undoubtedly earn a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, but recent opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine and the Epstein list have raised the eyebrows of many, including a US congress candidate from Illinois.
Qasim Rashid, a human rights lawyer and potential congressman in District 11 of Illinois, took a shot at Rodgers (and the sports world at large), calling him out for his “right-wing conspiracies" and pointing out the role race plays in why he is treated differently from athletes like Colin Kaepernick.
Qasim Rashid: Compares Aaron Rodgers to Colin Kaepernick, Lebron James, Serena Williams
Rashid pointed out that New York Jets gunslinger Aaron Rodgers is receiving a free pass from the media and fans because of his skin color, saying, “Can’t qwhite put my finger on why.”
Despite making statements more defamatory and inflammatory than the other athletes Rashid listed in the post, Rodgers continues to receive airtime on ESPN. Rashid compares him to former San Francisco 49ers dual-threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who last played in the NFL during the 2016 season. Kaepernick was also vocal on hot-button topics, including police brutality. Over the past decade, the fact that no team has signed him despite widespread need at QB has led to some believing the league blackballed him for his public beliefs.
Rashid also compared Rodgers to Black athletes Serena Williams and Lebron James. Williams and James received backlash over the years for their opinions, notably when journalist Laura Ingraham told James to ‘shut up and dribble” after speaking out about social and political issues.
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: Set to Return Next Season
Rodgers joined the New York Jets this season via a blockbuster deal with the Green Bay Packers but tore his Achilles in the first quarter of the season opener. The Jets struggled in his absence, finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the postseason for a 13th straight season. New York last won double-digit games in 2015 with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback.
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