Pat McAfee and his crew had some fun with Jets coach Robert Saleh saying Aaron Rodgers’ absence from the first day of mandatory minicamp is “inexcused.”
McAfee started off by playing a clip of Saleh saying the absences of Rodgers and Haason Reddick, the linebacker the Jets acquired from the Eagles this offseason, were subject to fines via the NFL collective bargaining agreement.
“Fascinating, in Aaron’s 20th year, he did not miss a single OTA,” McAfee laughed, mocking the idea of Saleh fining Rodgers.
Saleh had noted that Rodgers was absent due to an “event” that was important to the quarterback, which was communicated weeks ago, and complimented Reddick for working hard despite that he has not been to the team facility yet as he seeks his new contract.
McAfee also laughed about what event would cause Rodgers to miss the mandatory camp.
“I just don’t know, I have not talked to any sources close to the situation with the quarterback of the Jets,” McAfee said.
“What’s the life event? Because obviously Saleh heard it and was like, ‘Nah I don’t think so.”’
Later, A.J. Hawk, a friend and former teammate of Rodgers, joined the show.
“I have no idea where he could be. The opportunities are endless,” Hawk said.
“He could be anywhere on the planet right now. We don’t know what that could be … Google ‘cool things happening over the next three days.’ He might be there. I have no clue where he is either.”
Hawk noted that Saleh said that Rodgers communicated this planned absence before OTAs, and McAfee questioned why Saleh would be publicly calling it unexcused when Rodgers had been to all of those practices and knows the offense.
“Saleh’s had some time to think about how he may handle it when he had to speak to the media when he knew Rodgers was not going to be there,” Hawk said.
“He could’ve worded it a little better and said, ‘We have great communication, we’re ready to go.’ How he kind of contrasted Reddick and Aaron’s absence, that’s what made it kind of weird.”
McAfee disclosed that they know Rodgers “very well” and are friends with him, and acknowledged that they were going to take his side in the story.
