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Fauci’s Lawyer Goes Nuclear on Rodgers: “Zero Clue What He’s Saying”
Aaron Rodgers Calls Dr. Fauci a "Coward": Steelers and Fauci’s Lawyer Fire Back
What Happened on "The Pat McAfee Show"
Imagine you’re watching your favorite sports talk show, and suddenly the quarterback starts talking politics instead of football. That’s exactly what happened when Aaron Rodgers (the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback) appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" for about 30 minutes.
Important Point: The first 7 minutes aired on ESPN (a major sports TV channel), but the rest was only available on a digital platform.
Rodgers didn’t hold back. Right at the start, when asked about his mindset for the upcoming season, he said:
"I’m going to plead the fifth. Like that absolute coward, Tony Fauci. Absolute coward."
Rodgers’ Specific Comments About Dr. Fauci
Rodgers had three main complaints about Dr. Anthony Fauci:
1. The "Plead the Fifth" Moment
- Dr. Fauci recently invoked the Fifth Amendment (a legal right to stay silent so you don’t incriminate yourself) during a Senate hearing
- He did this over 100 times in response to questions
- Rodgers called this cowardly, especially since Fauci had received a presidential pardon
2. "I Am Science" Quote
- Rodgers referenced a 2021 interview where Fauci said, "I represent science"
- Rodgers mocked: "I thought you were the science… and you get up there and you can’t answer a question?"
3. Media Coverage Double Standard
Rodgers also criticized ESPN (the network that partly broadcast the show):
- They heavily covered his vaccine status controversy in 2021 (when he said he was "immunized" but hadn’t taken the COVID vaccine)
- But they ignored recent news about Fauci and a scandal involving former ESPN reporter Dianna Russini
Background: Why Rodgers Mentioned Fauci Now
| Event | When | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Senate Hearing | Last week (July 2026) | Fauci pleaded the Fifth 100+ times |
| Presidential Pardon | Before hearing | Fauci received a pardon |
| "I Represent Science" | Nov 2021 | Fauci said this on "Face The Nation" |
| Rodgers’ Vaccine Controversy | Aug 2021 | Rodgers said he was "immunized" but wasn’t vaccinated |
In simple terms: Rodgers thinks it’s unfair that Fauci can avoid answering questions after being one of the most powerful health officials during COVID, while Rodgers got criticized for his personal health choices.
Responses from the Steelers Organization
The Pittsburgh Steelers quickly distanced themselves from Rodgers’ comments. Here’s what they said:
1. Head Coach Mike McCarthy
"My job is to keep it about football."
He added:
- "These are grown men. They all have different opinions."
- "At the end of the day, my job is to keep the focus on winning."
- "We have a good locker room… We’re in a good spot."
2. Team Spokesperson Burt Lauten
"Discussions around culture and politics can bring differing perspectives, and our players are entitled to their own personal views."
He acknowledged there are "a variety of opinions on many topics within our locker room."
Fauci’s Attorney Responds
David Schertler, Dr. Fauci’s lawyer, didn’t mince words in an email to The Athletic:
"Aaron Rodgers doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He should stick to football."
Rodgers’ History of Criticizing Fauci and Others
This wasn’t Rodgers’ first rodeo. He’s been critical before:
Previous Incidents:
- October 2023 (on same show): "If science is Dr. Fauci, you’re damn right I’m defying science."
- October 2023 (another appearance): Called Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce "Mr. Pfizer" for doing a vaccine commercial
- Challenged Kelce to a debate
- Suggested teaming up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (current U.S. Health Secretary, known as a "vaccine skeptic")
- Weekly appearances in 2023-2024: Rodgers appeared weekly on McAfee’s show during his time with the New York Jets
- Stopped in 2025: Didn’t continue weekly appearances in his first Steelers season
Important Point: Rodgers announced in May 2026 that this will be his final NFL season.
Summary
In a nutshell:
- Aaron Rodgers went on a sports show and called Dr. Fauci an "absolute coward" for pleading the Fifth at a Senate hearing
- He also attacked ESPN for covering his vaccine controversy but ignoring Fauci and other scandals
- The Steelers (coach McCarthy and spokesperson Lauten) said: "We focus on football; players have personal opinions"
- Fauci’s lawyer said: "Rodgers doesn’t know what he’s talking about; he should stick to football"
- This fits a pattern of Rodgers criticizing Fauci, vaccines, and media coverage over the past few years
FAQ
Who is Dr. Anthony Fauci?
Dr. Fauci was the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022. He was the face of the U.S. government’s COVID-19 response and became very famous (and controversial) during the pandemic.
What does "plead the Fifth" mean?
It means using your Constitutional right (Fifth Amendment) to refuse to answer questions because your answers might be used against you in a criminal case. It’s not an admission of guilt—it’s a legal protection.
Why did Rodgers say he was "immunized" in 2021?
When reporters asked if he was vaccinated, Rodgers said "I’m immunized." Later it came out he hadn’t taken the COVID vaccine but had done an alternative treatment. Many felt he misled the public.
What’s the Dianna Russini scandal?
Dianna Russini was an NFL reporter for ESPN and The Athletic. In March 2026, photos were published showing her holding hands, hugging, and in a hot tub with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort. She denied a romantic relationship but resigned in April 2026.
Is Rodgers still doing his weekly Pat McAfee Show appearances?
No. He did them weekly in 2023 and 2024 when he played for the New York Jets, but stopped in 2025 (his first year with the Steelers). This recent appearance was a one-off, not part of a regular segment.
