The Green Bay Packers will once again be forced to play a game without one of their offensive superstars. And this time around, the situation is far worse.
According to multiple reports, Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, and has already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The reigning MVP is unvaccinated, which means that he must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. Surprising news, considering that he misleadingly told reporters back in August that he had been "immunized."
"He certainly misled the media. He certainly wasn't honest with the media. And it looks like his team might actually pay for his absence," JR said during Wednesday's edition of the JR SportBrief show. "This is a personal decision, but he didn't have to lie about it. I guess like a lot of athletes, he's afraid of criticism... What he does with his body is his decision. How he relates it to the team is his own business. But lying to the media? Not being honest?
"Sorry, he did it because he's soft... This is confirmation to me that Rodgers is a diva. Rodgers is into himself. Rodgers needs to get it together, because the world doesn't revolve around him. Yes, even at this point, he didn't want to be a distraction, he didn't want to be honest. And the fact he lied to the media and to the public has made him [a diva]... Get over yourself."
According to an NFL Network report, before the season, Rodgers requested a vaccine exemption from the league after receiving "homeopathic" treatment from his personal doctor in an effort to raise antibody levels. His request was ultimately denied, thus his current unvaccinated status.
The NFL is reportedly investigating whether Rodgers and the Packers violated COVID-19 protocols. Under league policy, unvaccinated players are subject to fines for not following guidelines, including maintaining physical distancing or attending certain indoor gatherings without a mask.
Due to Rodgers' absence, second-year backup Jordan Love will serve as the Packers' starter. According to FiveThirtyEight projections, Green Bay (7-1) has a 95-percent chance to win the NFC North and a 23-percent chance to earn a first-round bye.
JR's complete thoughts on Rodgers and the Packers can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the JR SportBrief show on Twitter @JRSportBrief and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.