Pat McAfee and his team delved into the topic of Jets coach Robert Saleh’s remarks regarding Aaron Rodgers’ unexcused absence from the first day of mandatory minicamp.
The segment began with McAfee playing a clip where Saleh explained that both Rodgers and linebacker Haason Reddick, who was recently acquired from the Eagles, were absent and subject to fines under the NFL collective bargaining agreement. McAfee humorously commented on Rodgers, in his 20th year, not missing any OTAs and mocked the idea of Saleh fining the veteran quarterback.
Saleh had described Rodgers’ absence as due to an “event” that was important to him, a detail communicated weeks prior, and also praised Reddick’s work ethic, despite him not yet visiting the team facility as he negotiates his new contract.
Later in the show, A.J. Hawk, a former teammate and friend of Rodgers, speculated humorously about Rodgers’ whereabouts. “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,” said Hawk.
Hawk pointed out that since Rodgers had informed the team of his absence before the OTAs, it was curious why Saleh would label it as unexcused, especially given Rodgers’ familiarity with the team’s offense and his attendance at all the practices.
“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,” Hawk added, critiquing Saleh’s communication.
McAfee concluded by acknowledging their close relationship with Rodgers, noting that their perspective might be biased as they are likely to take his side in the matter.
