The NFL completed its review into the Green Bay Packers' implementation of COVID-19 protocols earlier this week, and fined the franchise $300,000 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers $14,650 for violating league policy, according to multiple reports.
Green Bay was also warned that future violations could result in more severe discipline, including potential change in draft position or the removal of picks. But this news doesn't sit well with former NFL linebacker and current podcast host Takeo Spikes. He believes that the punishments handed to Rodgers and the Packers weren't harsh enough.
"When the news came out and you found out he lied, I'm like, 'Well, that's a level of arrogance along with privilege as well," Spikes told The DA Show on Thursday. "If he continues to do that and they let him continue to get away with it, then it's really like, 'Why should I complain when it's really going to fall on deaf ears?' And I know there's been a lot of talk about Rodgers getting preferential treatment and all of that. Personally, I think it was wrong...
"Just to come out and sit up there and lie in the beginning so you can take the heat off of yourself and take the heat and attention away from a very serious matter. I don't know exactly what happened day in, day out while you're inside that locker room. But I thought that was real foul of Rodgers. And I'm a big fan of his game. But that really got me looking at him sideways... The degree of which he lied, especially during these troubling times, is totally irresponsible."
The league's investigation into the Packers began last week, when Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Because the reigning MVP isn't vaccinated, he's been forced to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days, and the earliest he can rejoin the team is this Saturday, one day before the Packers host the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers addressed his vaccine status and overall situation last Friday, telling "The Pat McAfee Show" that he's not vaccinated against COVID-19 because he has an allergy to an ingredient in both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He also denied lying to reporters back in training camp when he said he was "immunized," and criticized the media for adopting a "woke mob" mentality and seeking to punish unvaccinated players in the midst of "cancel culture."
If Rodgers is unable to return to action this weekend, second-year backup Jordan Love will once again start at quarterback. In the Packers' 13-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, the former first-round pick threw for just 190 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Green Bay (7-2) has a 95-percent chance to win the NFC North, according to FiveThirtyEight.
The entire NFL conversation between Spikes and DA can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The DA Show on Twitter @DAonCBS and @CBSSportsRadio, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.