Aaron Rodgers skips Packers mandatory minicamp and risks hefty fine

Posted on

Aaron Rodgers isn’t blinking.

On Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., Packers players were scheduled to attend the team’s first day of mandatory minicamp, but Green Bay’s disgruntled star quarterback was a no-show, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Rodgers’ expected absence comes after the reigning MVP opted out of voluntary OTAs with the Packers in May.

The newly engaged QB’s continued boycott could end up costing him a pretty penny, depending on how the Packers want to handle the ailing divorce.

Rodgers could be fined $93,085 for missing minicamp, or Green Bay can choose to waive the fine and make it an excused absence, according to ESPN.

So far, Rodgers’ holdout, specifically missing OTAs, has caused him to forfeit his $500,000 workout bonus.

Aaron Rodgers holdout minicamp Packers
Aaron Rodgers is officially holding out after not showing up to the Packers’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
Getty Images

Any monetary penalties handed down to Rodgers won’t come until the official start of training camp, which begins on July 27.

If Rodgers continues his boycott throughout the start of training camp, the Packers will be required to fine him $50,000 for each day he misses. The team could also pursue repayment of millions in bonus money.

However, the Packers hope the rift won’t reach that point and the team is continuing to work at its relationship with Rodgers, Pelissero reported.

While on ESPN’s “Get Up” Tuesday morning, NFL reporter Adam Schefter said Rodgers feels strongly about his continued boycott from the Packers.

Schefter, as well as Pelissero, both noted that Rodgers’ time away has given Green Bay time to work more closely with quarterback Jordan Love — whom the team selected as Rodgers’ presumed replacement in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Rodgers, who’s maintained he wants out of Green Bay, has said that his issues aren’t with Love.

Aaron Rodgers holdout minicamp Packers Jordan Love
Jordan Love (l.) watches Aaron Rodgers (r.) during a Packers practice on Sept. 4, 2020.
AP

“It’s just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It’s about character, it’s about culture, it’s about doing things the right way,” Rodgers said during a virtual appearance on SportsCenter in late May — his first time speaking out about his broke relationship with the Packers.

Rodgers, who turns 38 this year, is currently under contract with the Packers through 2023.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *