Aaron Rodgers spoke out Thursday on X in the wake of a CNN report that alleged he floated conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in private conversations.
“As I’m on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community,” the Jets quarterback posted.
The tragic events that unfolded in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults.
CNN reporter Pamela Brown claimed in the story that she had an interaction with Rodgers at the Kentucky Derby in 2013 in which he allegedly expressed a belief that the Sandy Hook massacre “was actually a government inside job and the media was intentionally ignoring it.”
The report claimed that there was at least one other individual with whom Rodgers had shared conspiracy theories regarding Sandy Hook.
CNN published the story after it was revealed earlier this week by the New York Times that Rodgers is the potential running mate for Robert F. Kennedy’s independent presidential campaign.
According to Rodgers’ friend Pat McAfee, the Jets quarterback was on a retreat to use the psychedelic drug ayahuasca in Costa Rica when the news broke that he is being considered for the vice presidential spot on RFK Jr.’s campaign ticket.
Rodgers, 40, tore his Achilles on just the fourth snap in the Jets’ opening game against the Bills in September and missed the remainder of the season.