Point of Veau: Aaron Rodgers Owes an Apology to "All u Idiots"

The Packers quarterback called critics of Ryan Braun "idiots." Now it's time for Rodgers to make amends when he meets with the media at training camp this week.

Friday will provide a litmus test for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

That's the day the Green Bay Packers hold their first training camp practice of the 2013 season, and the next opportunity for Rodgers to meet the media.

As you'd expect, there will be no shortage of questions about Rodgers' friend and business associate Ryan Braun, the recently suspended outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rodgers was outspoken in his defense of Braun in 2012 through his public social media account on Twitter, going so far as to call out those who criticized the baseball player as "all u idiots."

Of course, there was also the highly-publicized incident in which Rodgers also said he'd bet his next year's salary that Braun didn't use performance enhancing drugs.

It's for these actions and these condescending words that Rodgers should publicly apologize when the media comes to meet him at his locker on Friday.

Let's be clear. Rodgers doesn't need to beg pardon for defending his friend. Nearly any person would do the same. Likewise, where his relationship goes with Braun from here is immaterial.

It's Rodgers' insultive language he should have to answer for. Conduct unbecoming of the face of the franchise, if you will.

This also isn't to insinuate that some big "to do" is necessary. A brief and polite "I'm sorry" will suffice.

The chip on Rodgers' shoulder is well documented, perhaps over documented. From his draft-day slide to years of riding the pine behind Brett Favre to every perceived slight from the media along the way, Rodgers has used it as motivation.

It's starting to be taken to the extreme, however. His criticism of CBS's 60 Minutes last year was unjustified, and he shouldn't get away with thumbing his nose at Braun's critics either.

This is one of very few instances in which Rodgers was in the wrong, and there's no reason to think it will become a regular occurrence.

If he were to humbly atone for his words, the opinion of Rodgers will only rise higher amongst his fans. Conversely, failure to do so will only help to build some sort of holier-than-thou or snob-like reputation.

In a day and age when the character of NFL players is under more scrutiny than ever before, Rodgers would be setting an example for his teammates and football players everywhere by making amends for what is, in reality, a minor infraction.

But when you're Aaron Rodgers, even the most minor of slip-ups becomes national storyline. Fair or not, ESPN and other outlets were quick to pick up year-old tweets of Rodgers naïvely defending Braun this week.

It's not easy to take the high road. But the older you get and the more you mature, the easier it is to do.

This is the road Rodgers has in front of him this week, and a true litmus test of his leadership.

Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

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Comments (33)

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Greg Serkin's picture

July 24, 2013 at 03:35 pm

Rodgers is arrogant just like Braun. Both act like they have something to hide. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Rodgers carefully crafted image takes a huge hit just like Braun's did.

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IowaPackFan's picture

July 25, 2013 at 10:22 am

"Both act like they have something to hide"

Would love to hear some examples.

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ohenry78's picture

July 24, 2013 at 03:53 pm

I think you're missing the context here though. I don't think the "all u idiots" referred to the everyday fan. It was referring to all the people who jumped to conclusions right away based on a report that should have never been leaked in the first place. And it was said at a time when Braun was exonerated by the league's own bargained-for drug testing system.

At the time, it was an applicable statement, directed at people that fit the bill. Hindsight is 20/20, Rodgers shouldn't have to apologize for getting testy toward people who made an (at the time) unfair judgement.

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Debra's picture

July 24, 2013 at 03:56 pm

I agree.

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SpartaChris's picture

July 24, 2013 at 09:23 pm

^This

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djbonney138's picture

July 24, 2013 at 10:08 pm

Another in agreement

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Chad Toporski's picture

July 25, 2013 at 05:44 am

That tweet was posted almost 1.5 years ago... definitely not an issue at this point in time.

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Debra's picture

July 24, 2013 at 03:55 pm

Look Aaron Rodgers is just like any other normal person.. He was defending a friend, A friend that lied to him, I in his situation would have done the same thing. I don't feel he needs to apologize for anything. what does he have to apologize for being human, being a good friend, trusting someone, He doesn't need to apologize to me, He didn't do anything to me. He is a Human Being just like the rest of us..

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SpartaChris's picture

July 24, 2013 at 09:23 pm

^And this.

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JakeK's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:11 pm

"It’s Rodgers’ insultive language he should have to answer for. Conduct unbecoming of the face of the franchise, if you will."

I couldn't agree more... Rodgers needs to make a statement that demonstrates his immaturity in this matter and then move on to football... The worse thing he could do is make a statement that only prolongs the situation. ... The season is too close.

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al's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:17 pm

its over next and ya can wright this down !!!!!!!!!!

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al's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:20 pm

hey I had buddy like him screwed my wife 5 years later I found out about it he is not my friend any more end of story !!!

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joshywoshybigfatposhy's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:33 pm

hittin' the sauce a little early today? what exactly is 'over next' that we can 'wright' down?

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Jbeebe1571's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:29 pm

I don't think Aaron Rodgers owes anyone an apology. The man gets paid to lead a football team, not answer for gossip and tabloid drama. If the media wants candor and scoops all the time, maybe they need to be more respectful. I haven't heard of anyone excoriating Tim Tebow, and he clearly knew Aaron Hernandez was a jerkwad. It's truly a shame that pro sports is loaded with roid use, but it's not like Braun MURDERED anyone. Next topic.

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mark's picture

July 24, 2013 at 05:17 pm

When did Tebow wrongly refer to people as "idiots"

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joshywoshybigfatposhy's picture

July 24, 2013 at 04:41 pm

yeah, gotta disagree. i don't think anyone deserves an apology. i think rodgers learned a lesson on how adamantly one should defend a truth one isn't 100% sure of.

i think the only actions that require an apology are ones that we would be morally inept to repeat given the same set of circumstances.

just like anyone that defends a liar, rodgers looks like a douche. doesn't mean he owes anyone anything. just a sideshow of the real giant douche of the day, mr. braun.

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mark's picture

July 24, 2013 at 05:15 pm

I also felt a bit of pause by the level of aggressive defensiveness with which Rodgers handled this situation. I hope it was because he was defending his friend and nothing more.

And I think Carriveau is right. It would be a good idea for Rodgers to drop a quick "I'm sorry" and say it was a learning experience, which, I hope it was.

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The TKstinator's picture

July 24, 2013 at 07:45 pm

Same page.

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Nerd's picture

July 24, 2013 at 05:21 pm

Pffft, I call you guys idiots all the time, and I've never had to apologize.

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THEMichaelRose's picture

July 24, 2013 at 05:28 pm

No.

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bill from jersey's picture

July 24, 2013 at 06:37 pm

Rodgers needs to play with a chip on his shoulder, im looking for a big year from him now because of all the ill advised questions he will have to be stoned with.... should really light so fire

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Nick Perry's picture

July 24, 2013 at 09:02 pm

He doesn't owe anyone anything but I certainly wish he'd learn not to say anything. Braun is a business partner and a friend, I understand Rodgers defending his friend. BUT he doesn't need to say some of the things he says. The years salary, the thing about the 49ers jersey. Just be quiet and do what you do best, quarterback the Packers to another SB.

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Bearmeat's picture

July 24, 2013 at 10:05 pm

Rodgers is an opinionated guy. It's just his personality. And that's fine.

HOWEVER: He needs to be very careful in how he states those opinions. Negative words go a long way and usually get to the wrong person. Especially if you are the current Mr. QB in the NFL.

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nick perry's picture

July 25, 2013 at 06:20 am

That's my point Bearmeat. He made a bet with the dude from Boyz to Men. The Packers lost and he never wore the Jersey (Thank God). Same with the years salary. Neither should or would happen, just like neither should have been said. He should have defended his friend but nowadays you say something, tweet something, whatever millions of people have access. It's not like it was even 10 years ago. You just have to be more careful with what and how you say things cuz it WILL come back and bite you in the ass.

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Omega's picture

July 24, 2013 at 10:56 pm

This will bring the locker room down.. cut him!

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Idiot Fan's picture

July 24, 2013 at 11:20 pm

Longest. Off-season. Ever.

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Cow42's picture

July 24, 2013 at 11:40 pm

Yep.

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BoxStuffer's picture

July 25, 2013 at 08:06 am

Seriously.

I think anyone creating a big deal out of this needs to get the sand out of their vagina.

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MarkinMadison's picture

July 25, 2013 at 01:47 am

I am pretty sure "insultive" is not a word.

12 is a smart enough guy that he should have known that Braun was on thin ice last year.

Is any professional athlete clean? No HGH, no PEDs of any kind?

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zeke's picture

July 25, 2013 at 08:15 am

" A brief and polite “I’m sorry” will suffice."

I don't know that I can agree with this. It needs to be heartfelt, bordering on tearful. Anything less will be like pouring lemon juice on the paper cuts in between our collective fingers. Or something.

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devil doc's picture

July 25, 2013 at 04:06 pm

Where was this article after Rodgers made the initial tweet?

Some people praised Rodgers for this tweet, as you can see the 750 plus re-tweets and 112 favorites...

Now because Braun was caught lying, no big surprise there, he has to apologize for something he said over a year ago?

Don't pick and choose when you want your apologies, doesn't work like that.

If I were him, I wouldn't even acknowledge any questions about Braun, who plays baseball NOT football. Will this affect him on the field? Nope. Will this have an impact on his training camp? Nope.

Next question please.

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Jack's picture

July 26, 2013 at 01:16 am

Rodgers and Braun have a very successful restaurant in Brookfield, 8 Twelve MVP Bar & Grill, and are scheduled to open a second one in Bayshore Mall this fall. I have to believe that Braun's fall from grace will have a negative impact on business. Rodgers should do whatever he has to, to sever business ties with Braun. Who knows, maybe he could get Bart Starr to come on board instead.

This isn't just a matter of Braun lying repeatedly over the past couple years. He defamed the guy who took the urine sample that tested positive, and that guy--though exonerated--will never be able to separate himself from the controversy. His life is changed forever, and not in a good way. I hope he sues Braun, but in the meantime, I believe that Aaron Rodgers should call Braun out for his sleazy, dishonorable behavior, and find a new business partner.

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Al Dante's picture

July 29, 2013 at 10:04 am

Comes down to whether in your opinion you may be one of the idiots he was referring to? If so do you need an apology? Only you can answer that.

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