New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has responded to the criticism on social media directed towards his teammate Aaron Rodgers, suggesting that the controversy over Rodgers missing two days of practice shouldn’t overshadow his extensive career as a Hall of Fame quarterback.
“Are y’all really making a big deal because a 15+ year HOF QB missed 2 days of practice after being with the team all throughout Phase 1, 2, & 3 of OTA’s?? GG’s,” Gardner tweeted.
Rodgers, who was present for voluntary OTAs in the spring, did not attend the team’s mandatory minicamp over the two days. Jets head coach Robert Saleh described Rodgers’ absence as unexcused but noted that the team was aware of it for several weeks.
The absence sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some questioning Rodgers’ leadership and commitment to football. Former NFL player Ross Tucker expressed his acceptance of Rodgers skipping minicamp but voiced skepticism about his leadership qualities.
Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III suggested that the absence wasn’t an issue within the team but could become a distraction externally.
On the other hand, Nick Wright criticized Rodgers, labeling him as “one of the phoniest, most disingenuous athletes of our lifetime,” while former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi criticized the Jets’ handling of the situation.
The controversy has sparked debate about the impact of Rodgers’ absence on the Jets’ upcoming season. While some believe it will be forgotten if the team performs well, others argue it could indicate underlying issues if the season starts poorly.
Rodgers, known for his outspoken nature on and off the field, continues to divide opinions. Jets fans hope that his return to form and performance on game day will silence the criticism and focus attention back on football. However, if his performance doesn’t meet expectations, the scrutiny surrounding his absence may intensify.
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