Aaron Rodgers is no stranger to controversy, as often highlighted by sportscaster Colin Cowherd.
Known for his candid comments, coupled with allegations of aiding conspiracy theories, Rodgers is somewhat of an enigma for the media.
Interestingly, Rodgers has courted controversy with his evidently unconventional views on various topics.
These have been referred to as “conspiracy theories” by critics like Cowherd. As Cowherd notes, such individuals often say they do their “own homework,” which is often a gateway to embracing conspiracy theories.
Rodgers is often singled out for his marital status – single and never married – and his reportedly strained relationship with his family.
According to Cowherd, Rodgers is said to send presents to his family, despite their disconnected relationship.
Colin Cowherd has been told Aaron Rodgers still sends presents to his family… pic.twitter.com/22InQqpnxd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 18, 2024
“The media gets so mad, I always find this funny,” Cowherd said after Rodgers’ comments on HIV went viral. “Whenever Aaron does one of his conspiracy theory things, the media gets frustrated. But you gotta remember something, Aaron is single, never married, no kids, doesn’t connect with his family – I’ve been told he sends presents back – he’s got nobody to call him out on his crap.”
Cowherd asserts that the media is not just critiquing Rodgers purely due to moral standpoint but because it gives them access to discuss culturally charged issues directly or indirectly connected to Rodgers.
“The media’s always banging on Aaron for his conspiracy theories,” Cowherd continued. “And my takeaway is, ‘You do get your neighbor is the same guy.’”
Cowherd also notes that conspiracy theories have evolved into an “industry” over the years, with the potential to generate significant revenue.
This industry, driven by figures like Rodgers, has been given a considerable boost by the proliferation of digital platforms and social media.
“Now, all the conspiracy people have platforms,” Cowherd said. “They’ve always existed. And by the way, there are conspiracies that are true. And I’m not a conspiracy theory guy at all. But it was a theory that cigarettes were really bad for you and all the executives for years, ‘Noooo.’ We found out cigarettes are really bad for you. So there have been a few.”
“All conspiracy theories start with this sentence, ‘I do my own homework.’ Oh boy,” Cowherd added. “But this has existed my entire life, nobody had platforms. If you had been a conspiracy theorist 50 years ago and sent a letter to the local newspaper, they wouldn’t have published it…now he goes on TikTok or IG or his podcast or Twitter/X and you have it. The idea that Aaron is in a small group of conspiracy theorists, it’s an industry. This is an industry now that makes lots of money.”
One concern is that the media might be sensationalizing Rodgers’ actions not solely because they necessarily disapprove of them, but because it increases their viewership and, subsequently, their profits.
Rodgers’ actions and the media’s coverage seem to feed into each other, creating a cycle of controversy that pushes sports news to the forefront of public attention.
The attention, both positive and negative, keeps Rodgers in the spotlight and perpetually profitable for the media.
