Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and has already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple reports.
The news initially stirred confusion among fans. Back in August, when asked if he had been vaccinated, Rodgers told reporters that he was "immunized." But this response was misleading. Rodgers is actually not vaccinated against COVID-19, and under league protocols, he must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days and can't return to action until Saturday, Nov. 13, at the earliest.
"The only people caught by surprise were outside the locker room," former Packers safety LeRoy Butler told the Tiki and Tierney show on Wednesday. "The guys know all about it inside of the locker room, but they don't want to expose each other... As you know, there's a few people you just don't lie to: God, your wife, your family, and your teammates. As long as your teammates know where you stand, you're good.
"But if you're Kyrie Irving, you're thinking, 'OK, now I can get off the headlines and let Rodgers ride this out a little while.' I don't think Rodgers is going to get paid. The NFL is very strict about their rules. You're up in that area where they have mandates, it does get political... He may even miss their game against the Seahawks in a couple weeks on Nov. 14. So, we'll see how it works out."
According to an NFL Network report, prior to 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 by higher-ups, 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. Players will also be fined $14,650 every time COVID-19 procedures are violated.
As a result of Rodgers' absence, second-year backup Jordan Love will serve as the Packers' starting quarterback against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. According to FiveThirtyEight's projections, the Packers (7-1) currently have a 95-percent chance to win the NFC North and a 23-percent to earn the NFC's first-round bye.
The entire Packers conversation between Butler and Tiki and Tierney can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Tiki and Tierney Show on Twitter @TikiAndTierney and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.