David Bakhtiari comes to Aaron Rodgers' defense as 4x MVP faces criticism for missing Jets minicamp
Aaron Rodgers isn't in attendance for the New York Jets minicamp this week. The unexcused absence has created quite the buzz around the NFL as fans question and criticize his motives for not being with his team.
One of Rodgers' former teammates has come to his defense and spoken out and made a reference to the quarterback's absence. Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman, David Bakhtiari, shared his thoughts in a post on X.
On Wednesday afternoon, Bakhtiari sent out a 'friendly reminder' that minicamp practice doesn't win games during the seasons.
"Friendly reminder that teams don’t win games in June. Teams can only lose games (injuries) during this time."
Rodgers is currently continuing to rehabilitate from an Achilles injury he suffered in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. David Bakhtiari's comments could be a way of him sticking up for his former teammate as he makes his way back to the field.
Why is QB Aaron Rodgers absent from Jets minicamp?
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been working with his New York Jets teammates during the team's OTA's (Organized Team Activities) the last few weeks. The mandatory minicamp kicked off this week though and Rodgers wasn't in attendance.
While some assumed it was related to his Achilles injury, head coach Robert Saleh gave some insight into his quarterback's absence. Saleh told reporters that he and Rodgers have had an open line of communication this offseason. He said that Rodgers spoke with him during OTA's and informed him that there was an 'event' that he wanted to attend that would cause him to miss the mandatory minicamp.
"Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started. He's been very good in communication. He's been here the entire time. It's unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated."
While Saleh and the New York Jets were aware of Aaron Rodgers' planned absence, it is still considered an excuse, which will likely cost him financially. Missing the first day will lead to a fine of $16,953, the second day another $33,908 and the third day will cost $50,855 in fines, adding up to over $101,000.