Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revealed that his potential vice-presidential shortlist includes New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has previously been embroiled in controversy due to his private discussions involving conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.
According to CNN, Rodgers has shared these unfounded theories with at least two individuals, including journalist Pamela Brown. Brown, who encountered Rodgers while covering the Kentucky Derby for CNN in 2013, recalls an unsettling conversation with the then Green Bay Packers quarterback.
Upon learning of Brown’s profession, Rodgers launched into a critique of the media, accusing it of suppressing significant stories. He specifically referenced the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where 20 children and 6 adults tragically lost their lives. Rodgers suggested that the incident was a government conspiracy, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked.
Brown challenged Rodgers on his assertions, prompting him to share various discredited theories. These same conspiracy theories have been the subject of lawsuits filed by the victims’ families against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Jones has faced legal action for perpetuating the baseless claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was staged and that the grieving families and first responders were “crisis actors”.
During the 2022 trial, family members described the relentless harassment and emotional torment they faced due to these unfounded claims. Brown also remembers Rodgers suggesting that men in black seen in the woods near the school were government operatives, a claim that she found deeply troubling.
Rodgers, through his agent, declined to comment on these allegations. CNN has also spoken to another individual who wishes to remain anonymous to avoid harassment. This person corroborates Brown’s account, recalling Rodgers stating, “Sandy Hook never happened…All those children never existed. They were all actors.”
Despite these controversies, Kennedy’s campaign announced on Wednesday that the candidate will reveal his running mate on March 26 in Oakland, California. In a recent interview with CNN, Kennedy confirmed that he had met with Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura to discuss the possibility of them joining his campaign.