Topline
State Farm Insurance ads that featured Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers almost vanished during Sunday's NFL games. However, Monday's statement by the company affirmed its support for Rodgers. The statements were released Monday following unfounded claims made about the Covid-19 vaccine by Rodgers on Friday. This was after he test positive for the virus and then lied to reporters about having been vaccinated.
CHARLOTTE - DECEMBER 17, 2017: Aaron Rodgers #12 of Green Bay Packers warms before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on December 17, 2017. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
A spokesperson for State Farm told USA Today Monday that while we don't agree with some statements made by Rodgers, we do respect his right and freedom to express his opinions. According to an Action Network report, only 1.5% of State Farm's ads featured Rodgers during Sunday's games. This is down from 25% the previous Sundays. Prevea Health, a Wisconsin-based medical clinic, announced Saturday that it will end its nine-year partnership. It cited its commitment to encouraging vaccinations to stop the spread of Covid-19. Yahoo! estimates that Rodgers makes between $2 million and $3 million per year from his State Farm sponsorship.
Important Background
Rodgers spoke on Pat McAfee's Friday show, stating that he chose to not get vaccinated as he was allergic the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He also feared the Johnson & Johnson shot could cause blood-clotting problems. Rodgers claimed that there have not been any long-term studies on fertility or sterility related to vaccines.
Important Quote
Rodgers stated that his medical team had advised him that the risks of...an adverse reaction [as a consequence of the vaccine] were greater than the risk to get Covid and recovering. Rodgers said that he made the decision in his best interests.
Contra
CNBC's Dr. Niraj Patel, chair of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Covid-19 Vaccine Task Force, stated that "you're as likely as you're to get struck by lightning" and that there's no evidence that Covid-19 causes fertility problems in men or women.
What to Watch
According to Ian Rapaport, the NFL is looking into whether Rodgers has been in compliance with Covid-19 protocols from the beginning of the season. Rodgers and Packers could face fines, but Rodgers would not be suspended.
What to Watch
Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports analyst, said that Rodgers was a good example of how to not lie.
