Hometown Broadcasting Sports Wednesday 11/10/21
10 November 2021 Sports
Sports for November 10th
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was contrite in his Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, a marked shift in tone from Friday’s visit in which he stated he was victim of a “woke mob” witch hunt for his beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine. Rodgers was on the show as part of his regularly scheduled Aaron Rodgers Tuesday appearances. Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 last week and it was made public that he was not vaccinated. The earliest he can return to the team is Saturday. That’s when he’ll be cleared to go back to the facilities at Lambeau Field. Rodgers, who was previously defensive over criticism that he misled reporters and fans about his vaccination status, says he takes responsibility for his words.
“I realize that I am a role model to a lot of people, and I just want to start off by acknowledging that. I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading. To anybody who felt misled by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers said he understands why his comments about the vaccine made waves, but he stands by his decision. No. 12 insisted that he’s an “athlete and not an activist.”
Rodgers said he looks forward to getting back to the field, but he’s not a guarantee for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. He has to test negative 24 hours apart before being cleared to play. Rodgers also said he’s proud of the way Jordan Love battled against the Chiefs but said Special Teams “was not special” in the game.
Meanwhile, a new report states the Green Bay Packers will be fined following a review of the team’s COVID-19 protocols by the NFL. Sources say the Packers will be fined $300,000 for violations of the NFL and NFL Players Association protocols. In addition, the source says Aaron Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard have each been fined $14,650.
The NFL Network reports the fines for Rodgers and Lazard are due to them attending a team-sanctioned Halloween party while unvaccinated. According to the NFL and NFLPA COVID-19 protocols, fines for unvaccinated players who violate COVID-19 protocols start at $14,650, up to a week’s salary and/or suspension for 4 weeks for repeated violations. The team is reportedly being fined due to the franchise not penalizing both players.
In addition, NFL Network reports the review found there were instances where Rodgers and Lazard weren’t wearing face coverings inside the team facility, however the report goes on to say the league found the team was otherwise compliant, and there wasn’t widespread or systematic mask-wearing violations.
Packers president Mark Murphy issued the following statement regarding the fine:
“We respect the League’s findings and we recognize the importance of adherence to the COVID protocols to keep our team and organization safe and healthy. We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols.”
ESPN also reports the team was made aware that future violations could result in escalated discipline, such as a possible change of draft position, or a loss of draft choices.
The Packers return to the practice field today in preparation for Sunday’s game at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are hoping their quarterbacks will be cleared to play. The Seahawks Russell Wilson said he feels ready to play but there’s no official word yet that he will. Wilson has missed four weeks because of a broken hand. Again, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a chance to play if he clears COVID protocols on Saturday. Green Bay is 7-2 while Seattle is 3-5.
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook allegedly assaulted, battered and falsely imprisoned former girlfriend Gracelyn Trimble. This according to a lawsuit Trimble filed Tuesday in the Dakota County District Court (Minn.). Cook’s attorney, David Valentini, responded to the lawsuit’s filing with a statement Tuesday, obtained by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He denied the claims, stating that Trimble broke into Cook’s home on Nov. 19, 2020, and assaulted Cook along with two house guests. Police were never called regarding the incident and no charges have been made.
Johnny Davis scored 15 points with five assists, freshman Chucky Hepburn added 13 points and a giddy postgame Tik -Tok as Wisconsin defeated St. Francis (BKN) 81-58 on Tuesday night. Wisconsin jumped out to an 11-3 lead with Davis scoring on a drive and a pull-up jumper on back-to-back possessions and point guard Hepburn adding a drive and deep 3-pointer during the run.
Hepburn scored a driving layup off a St. Francis turnover as the Badgers built an 11-point lead, 23-12 at the 9:17 mark of the first half and led by double digits the rest of the way. Wisconsin built leads as large as 32 points. Hepburn became the first true freshman to start in a season opener for the Badgers since Devin Harris in the 2001-02 season, and became the fifth freshman to score in double figures in a season opener since 2000.
Patrick Emilien, a transfer from George Mason, led the Terriers of the Northeast Conference with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and five rebounds. Lorne Bowman dropped three 3-pointers for his nine points. Hepburn, Davis and Brad Davison each made two 3-pointers as Wisconsin buried 10 of 22 from distance, made 13 of 18 free throws and controlled the glass, 48 to 31.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 16 rebounds, Grayson Allen scored 25 points and hit a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, and the Milwaukee Bucks held off the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 1118-109 on Tuesday night. Bobby Portis added 19 points for the NBA champions, who played a day after celebrating the franchise’s first title in 50 years with a trip to visit President Joe Biden at the White House. The Bucks won for just the second time in the last seven. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points for the 76ers, who played without four-time All-Star Joel Embiid for the second straight game. Embiid was one of four 76ers out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, along with Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Joe. Seth Curry (left foot contusion) also sat for the 76ers, and Ben Simmons (personal reasons) hasn’t played all season.
The Bucks continue their road trip tonight with a game against the Knicks.
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