Aaron Rodgers’ quest to become like me continues. On the field, he’s an enemy for the fans of 31 other NFL teams, but off the field, his penchant for speaking the truth in the face of harsh criticism has earned him wide-reaching praise.
About a week ago, I wrote a piece on Rodgers’ interview with Pat McAfee, where the Green Bay QB explained how frustrating it is that talking about healthy living and treatments is so often deemed off-limits in regards to COVID-19. He also spoke about how he’s been maligned for choosing to remain unvaccinated (Rodgers has had COVID-19 and has natural immunity).
Apparently, Rodgers’ contrary views over the last year have rubbed a man named Hub Arkush the wrong way. Although I didn’t know Arkush, I now believe he is a Chicago sportswriter and one of 50 who votes for the NFL MVP each year.
Here’s what he had to say about Rodgers, per CBS Sports.
“I don’t think you can be the biggest jerk in the league and punish your team and your organization and your fan base the way he did and be the Most Valuable Player,” Arkush said, via USA Today. “Has he been the most valuable on the field? Yeah, you could make that argument, but I don’t think he is clearly that much more valuable than Jonathan Taylor or Cooper Kupp or maybe even Tom Brady. And so, from where I sit, the rest of it is why he’s not gonna be my choice.”
Arkush is undoubtedly referencing the in-season scandal that involved Rodgers using doublespeak regarding his vaccination status — labeling himself in the offseason as “immunized” — a move that created a firestorm between the Packers and the league after it was realized he was unvaccinated (following a positive COVID-19 test) and had broken NFL protocols.
Last I checked, the MVP award isn’t about off-the-field disagreements, and what kind of person would base their vote on where someone stands on the COVID-19 vaccine? Rodges is virtually at no statistical risk from the virus, which is a good thing. This seems absurd and against the spirit of the award. And this man is allowed to make such a decision.
Today, Rodgers was asked about Arkush’s comments, and he did not hold back.
Aaron Rodgers on the NFL MVP voter, who claimed he wouldn’t vote for.
“I think he’s a bum. I think he’s an absolute bum…His problem is I’m not vaccinated. So, if he wants to go on a crusade & collude &…just for this season make it the Most Vaccinated Player, he should do that.” pic.twitter.com/IVISxJV7CN
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 5, 2022
Rodgers called Arkush a “bum” multiple times. Rodgers then cut to the chase and stated that Arkush’s refusal to vote was due to his immunization status. This is evident, I believe. Rodgers also stated that Arkush, in addition to other harsh criticisms, should be stripped of his right to vote for the MVP award.
Rodgers was correct in this instance. I don’t care what you think of him personally: the MVP award should never be based on someone’s political views, and arguments over the COVID-19 vaccines have become inherently political. If you’ve watched a minute of the NFL this season, it’s obvious Rodgers is the MVP, and I say that as someone who felt he robbed Drew Brees of the award in 2011. Green Bay currently operates at a higher level than any other team within the league and Rodgers is responsible for this.
To vote for COVID-19, MVP voters should not be denied their vote. That’s silly and counter-productive, never more so than in the context of sports. Arkush deserves the treatment he received from Rodgers. Maybe some lessons can be learnt.