NFL star quarterback Aaron Rodgers has publicly addressed reports by CNN that he privately propagated false conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Rodgers, while not denying the content of these conversations, clarified his stance in a social media post on Thursday.
“I have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place,” Rodgers stated. “As I’ve previously expressed, the Sandy Hook tragedy was an absolute catastrophe. I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the affected families and the entire Sandy Hook community.”
CNN reported on Wednesday that Rodgers, who is on the shortlist for vice presidential pick of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, allegedly engaged in conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook shooting in conversations with two individuals, including CNN’s Pamela Brown.
According to Brown’s account of her conversation with Rodgers in May 2013, Rodgers falsely suggested that the shooting was a government inside job, a narrative that the media was intentionally overlooking. Another source, granted anonymity by CNN to avoid harassment, recalled Rodgers claiming several years ago that Sandy Hook “never happened” and that the victims were “actors.”
Rodgers initially declined to comment to CNN through one of his agents before posting his clarification on social media. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012 resulted in the tragic loss of 20 children and six adults.
In a 2012 interview with ESPN Radio Milwaukee, Rodgers expressed his hope for changes to prevent such tragedies. “I hope that we can learn from this and look for the signs more and not ever have something like this happen. And keep this on our minds. This is something that affects us directly or indirectly. This needs to be something that we learn from,” he said.
Stefanie Spear, a spokesperson for the Kennedy campaign, issued a statement to CNN on Thursday, referring to the Sandy Hook shooting as “a horrific tragedy.”
“Mr. Kennedy believes the Sandy Hook shooting was a horrific tragedy. The 20 children and 6 adults that died December 14, 2012 brought the entire country together in grief. Let us honor their memory,” Spear said.
In a Fox News interview on Wednesday night, Kennedy praised Rodgers as a “critical thinker” and emphasized the need for a running mate who maintains “a constant posture of skepticism toward authority.” Kennedy did not directly address Rodgers’ alleged past comments about the shooting during the interview.
Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Pamela Brown and Jake Tapper.