Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur is celebrating his 42nd birthday today. Celebrating may be a poor choice of words considering the stunning disclosure that his MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19, he’s been placed on the Reserve/COVID list and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
LaFleur said he learned of the test results at about 8:30 this morning and laid out the news to the entire team during the day’s first full squad meeting.
Just after the noon hour, LaFleur appeared before the media for his daily press conference and as expected, was peppered with questions about Rodgers, the test result and the nation-wide controversial issue of whether or not he’s been vaccinated.
Rodgers was asked in August about his vaccination status and he replied that he had been “immunized” and that getting vaccinated was a personal choice and he would not judge any of his teammates over it.
There’s been reports Rodgers sought COVID protection in Canada and he petitioned the NFL to consider himself as vaccinated, but the league did not agree and considered him among unvaccinated players, subject to stricter protocols, like wearing masks at all times in the facility and avoiding public gatherings.
LaFleur was asked if the team has been adhering to those protocols this season and he replied, “absolutely.”
By using the term “immunized”, LaFleur was asked if Rodgers may have deceived fans into believing he was vaccinated. “That’s a question for Aaron”, LaFleur said.
Rodgers regular weekly media session for Wednesday afternoon has been cancelled to we may not hear from him until he clears protocols.
Rodgers will have to remain on the Reserve/Covid list for at least 10 days, the earliest he could return in Saturday, November 13, the day before Green Bay is set to host Seattle at Lambeau Field.
