Aaron Rodgers supports Stephen A. Smith's apology to Kyrie Irving
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 7:30 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers praised Stephen A. Smith for his recent apology to Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving regarding past comments made about Irving's vaccine stance. This apology acknowledges Irving's decision during the 2021 COVID vaccination mandates, which caused controversy and led to Irving being sidelined for most of the 2021-22 season. Smith had criticized Irving's refusal to get vaccinated at the time, calling him 'stupid' and 'selfish'. In his apology, Smith now describes Irving’s actions as brave. Rodgers commended Smith for openly admitting his past mistakes on the Pat McAfee show.
- •Rodgers reacted to Smith’s apology on the Pat McAfee show.
- •Smith's criticism of Irving stemmed from reactions to vaccination mandates in 2021.
- •Irving missed most of the 2021-22 season due to vaccine-related policies.
- •Smith described Irving’s standing up for himself as a sign of bravery.
- •Irving has faced backlash and scrutiny since his initial vaccine comments.
- 7:30 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Rodgers reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s apology to Kyrie Irving years after COVID controversy
- 7:27 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You Are Not a Coward’ — Aaron Rodgers Shouts Out ESPN’s Stephen A Smith for Being ‘Man Enough’ to Apologize to Kyrie Irving
"Aaron Rodgers didn’t hold back when he appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as he used the open platform to fire shots at several figures. But in the middle of his tirade, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback also took time to praise ESPN’s Stephen A.
"Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s apology for Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving over COVID comments in 2021.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 7:30 AMAaron Rodgers reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s apology to Kyrie Irving years after COVID controversy
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s apology for Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving over COVID comments in 2021.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 7:27 AM‘You Are Not a Coward’ — Aaron Rodgers Shouts Out ESPN’s Stephen A Smith for Being ‘Man Enough’ to Apologize to Kyrie Irving
Aaron Rodgers didn’t hold back when he appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as he used the open platform to fire shots at several figures. But in the middle of his tirade, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback also took time to praise ESPN’s Stephen A.
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