After a week of controversy, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made a return to The Pat McAfee Show, where he was welcomed with applause and a standing ovation from its host. However, what followed was a wild rant about the efficacy of COVID vaccinations, conspiracy theories, and misinformation.
Rodgers began by calling Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the leading experts on infectious diseases, one of the biggest purveyors of misinformation. He claimed that many of the conspiracy theories he subscribes to have turned out to be true, without providing any concrete evidence to support his claims.
McAfee, the host of the show, promised to fact-check Rodgers on his misinformation, but it seemed like every time he tried to do so, it only encouraged Rodgers to spew more falsehoods. Rodgers failed to cite any reputable studies to support his claims and instead relied on buzzwords and his personal viewpoint.
When McAfee tried to fact-check Rodgers’ claims about Dr. Fauci and COVID vaccines, Rodgers went on a tangent about studies by supposed reputable scientists, but failed to provide any specific references. He even accused “them” of trying to censor anti-vaxxer Alex Berenson and brought up unrelated topics like anti-malaria drugs and Dr. Fauci’s financial stake in COVID vaccines.
McAfee pointed out the lack of intelligence in Rodgers’ arguments and his failure to understand the research he claims to have done. Rodgers invited McAfee and the audience to fact-check him, but it took only 30 seconds to discover that his claims were untrue.
For example, Rodgers claimed that California beaches were closed and everyone was locked up during the pandemic, while Vitamin D and C were effective in treating colds. However, research shows that while Vitamin D may have some benefit for people with low levels, it is not effective for those with normal levels. Vitamin C also has no proven efficacy in treating colds.
Rodgers also claimed that Dr. Fauci had a financial stake in COVID-19 vaccines, which would be a conflict of interest for a government official. However, a fact-check revealed that the payments Dr. Fauci received were for his research and innovations, not for allowing companies to use COVID-19 vaccines.
Throughout the interview, Rodgers blamed the media for not understanding his comments and tried to gaslight the audience into believing his new claim that he never called Jimmy Kimmel a pedophile. He insisted that he is a very intelligent person, despite Kimmel accusing him of having a “JuCo education.” McAfee, despite his promise to fact-check Rodgers, sat there and cheered him on throughout the entire rambling.
It is disheartening to see a show like The Pat McAfee Show, which appeals to many people and receives a large sum of money, enable and amplify misinformation. Rodgers, who sees himself as the smartest man in every room, is easily led and lacks critical thinking skills. Admitting he’s wrong would debunk his conspiracy theory that he is a deep thinker, but his constant misinformation only proves it wrong.
In the end, it is crucial to fact-check and critically evaluate the information we consume, especially when it comes to public health and safety. Misinformation can have serious consequences, and it is our responsibility to separate fact from fiction.
