Story perspectives

Rodgers Calls Fauci Coward; Steelers Say No Discipline

8/6/2026

Summary

Rodgers slams Fauci

Aaron Rodgers called Dr. Anthony Fauci a “coward” after Fauci invoked Fifth Amendment 100 times at a Senate hearing.
The Fifth-Amendment pleas occurred on July 29 at a Senate hearing chaired by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
Rodgers aired the criticism on August 3 in a 30-minute Pat McAfee Show segment that began on ESPN.
Republican senators said Fauci’s 2023 pardon by President Joe Biden does not remove Fifth-Amendment protections.

Summary

Rodgers Signs Deal

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said on August 4 his job is to keep the Steelers focused on football, noting a locker-room and player council despite Rodgers’ remarks.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a contract for the 2026 season with a $22-$23 million base salary and incentives that could raise earnings to $25 million.
Rodgers told USA TODAY Sports that reuniting with McCarthy convinced him to postpone retirement and treat the season as his final year.

Summary

Rodgers Avoids Discipline

Steelers spokesperson said on August 5 2026 that the team will not discipline Aaron Rodgers for his remarks.
The statement emphasized that players are entitled to personal political views and that the locker room holds a variety of opinions.
Rodgers also accused ESPN reporter Dianna Russini of ignoring an offseason scandal.
The Steelers avoided a “shut up and dribble”-type rebuke, issuing a measured response.

History

Historical Context

In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised fists at Mexico City’s podium, prompting IOC president Avery Brundage to expel them and ban podium protests. Decades later, in August 2026, Aaron Rodgers called Dr. Anthony Fauci a “coward,” leading the Steelers to issue a free-speech statement, echoing the enduring clash between athlete dissent and institutional response.

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Rodgers slams Fauci

Aaron Rodgers called Dr. Anthony Fauci a “coward” after Fauci invoked Fifth Amendment 100 times at a Senate hearing.
The Fifth-Amendment pleas occurred on July 29 at a Senate hearing chaired by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
Rodgers aired the criticism on August 3 in a 30-minute Pat McAfee Show segment that began on ESPN.
Republican senators said Fauci’s 2023 pardon by President Joe Biden does not remove Fifth-Amendment protections.

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