Aaron Rodgers made headlines this week not for football, but for reigniting his long-running criticism of the government’s COVID-19 response while blasting Dr. Anthony Fauci.
As Rodgers unleashed jabs on the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, Patrick Bet-David, who became a minority owner of the New York Yankees in June 2023, made it clear that he loved every single second of the four-time MVP’s tirade.
Patrick Bet-David Reacts to Aaron Rodgers’ Takedown of Dr. Fauci
Rodgers reignited controversy during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, opening the interview with a joke about invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
He then criticized Fauci, calling him an “absolute coward” after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment several times during a heated Senate hearing led by Sen. Rand Paul last week, declining to answer questions that he believed could be used against him.
The hearing centered on the federal government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and investigations into the virus’ origins. Fauci argued that the proceedings were politically driven, accusing lawmakers of trying to use his testimony against him.
Though invoking the Fifth Amendment does not imply guilt, Rodgers made it clear he disagreed with Fauci’s decision. He also mocked Fauci by saying, “Thought you were the science,” referencing Fauci’s well-known 2021 remark while defending his public health policies during the pandemic.
While discussing the issue, Rodgers expanded his criticism to include ESPN. His rants continued to draw loud cheers from the audience, which caught the attention of Bet-David.
“I like the new direction ESPN is going. Look how the audience is reacting. It tells you everything. Good for Pat for having Aaron Rodgers on,” Bet-David wrote.
I like the new direction ESPN is going.
Look how the audience is reacting. It tells you everything.
Good for Pat for having @AaronRodgers12 on. https://t.co/DFiKpTdZI8
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) August 4, 2026
Though “The Pat McAfee Show” airs on ESPN, Rodgers continued his criticism of the network. McAfee and his co-hosts attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere, but Rodgers stood steadfast.
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“How much time did the network spend on that?” Rodgers said. “How much time did they spend on my responses every week? On my vaccination status? On Taylor’s [Swift] and Travis’ [Kelce] wedding? Did they do even a minute on Tony Fauci? No, I bet they didn’t.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback went on to describe ESPN as a “gutless organization” that has “no integrity.”
Rodgers’ criticism of the media comes against the backdrop of his own heavily publicized COVID-19 controversy in 2021. At the time, he revealed he had not been vaccinated despite previously saying he was “immunized.”
After delivering a series of passionate remarks during Monday’s interview, Rodgers is expected to shift his attention back to football.
The four-time MVP made it clear he will ride off into the ayahuasca sunset after this season. He finished last season with a 71.9 PFN QB Impact grade, ranking No. 29 in the nation.
