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GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – Aaron Rodgers contested the idea that he and former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy could not coexist, and denied that team president Mark Murphy told him not to to be the problem when they discussed new coach Matt LaFleur.
Both claims were made in an article published last week by Bleacher Report detailing the allegations of malfunctioning at the organization level.
Rodgers spoke on the ESPN radio in Milwaukee on Monday, the first day of the Packers 'offseason workout, and challenged a number of anonymous sources' claims in the story.
"It was a defamation attack by a writer who was trying to advance his career by talking to bitter and irrelevant players, all of whom had an agenda, whether they were ahead of their career or simply by trying to stir old things, "said Rodgers. "What is happening is the same tired journalists who talk about it and talk about it.This already underlines their opinion about me, so it's … what's crazy is that it's all over the place. there are super-biased opinions in this piece set out as facts, and then there are facts that are just lies. "
Rodgers said that he felt the need to clarify a few points, including the idea that the Packers worry about me as the leader of the football team at the same time. to come up.
"I mean two things: first, if they knew it, why would they offer me a contract last year?" Rodgers said during the interview with former Packers tackle, Mark Tauscher and radio host Jason Wilde. "And the second point of my thesis that I'm going to address is this: if I really did not like Mike so much, why would I sign up again, knowing that if I play well and we do what we do here – We made the playoffs eight years in a row, then I was injured and we missed the playoffs – it's going to be me and Mike all my career so if I really liked him less, do you think I will sign again "Is money important to me? I will tell you that this is not the case. Quality of life is important. "
The relationship between Rodgers and McCarthy has been a topic of conversation for years, and it reopened seriously last season, after Rodgers canceled the game plan after a 22-0 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 – what he said now regrets.
In his first interview since his dismissal on December 2, McCarthy spoke of complacency with the Packers, his relationship with Aaron Rodgers, his successor's advice, and so on.
The unusual big splash of the independent agency Packers was "the right thing to do" for a team that is still in win-win mode, says Brian Gutekunst.
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"Oh, man, I would have liked to have said nothing after the Bills game last year," Rodgers told the radio. "I would have liked to have him in person, I was not trying to disrespect him, but I know how it happened, that's what I told him." said when I met him face to face. "
Even though Rodgers did not deny the disagreement between the two and that he was sometimes frustrated by McCarthy, he said it did not bother him.
"The beauty of our relationship was that it was growing year after year and we were learning to communicate with each other," said Rodgers. "The beauty of our relationship on the ground was that there was a ton of confidence." When I read things like, "I would be disrespectful in changing all those pieces," I said. had a lot of latitude, he knew it and I knew it.I called the two minutes, I would call series of offenses without fuss … Often he was sending two plays. " Hey, do you like that? The level of confidence was really high. I know this might complicate the task of an inviting player to play when I go in a period without a reunion or in two minutes to find out exactly what is called, but that's the confidence we had and that's why I appreciate being able to play for him for so many years. "
When asked if he liked McCarthy more than his coaching role, Rodgers said, "I love Mike McCarthy, he's a great man, he has a huge heart, he really cares about his players and we have shown it … as a player of a coach, these are just two hyper-competitive Alpha men who love winning and who are a little stubborn.But, again, we have discussed so many different issues over the years and that made us a lot stronger. "
Rodgers echoed what McCarthy said about their relationship during an interview during an interview with ESPN last week.
"When I think of my relationship with Aaron, you're talking about 13," said McCarthy. "It's a very long time, it was a privilege to see him grow up in so many different ways and see him doing so many great things on the field and elsewhere." "Think you can be in a relationship as long as you have no frustrations, it's unrealistic.
"In terms of training, I would use a lot of words, it's stimulating, very rewarding and fun, we had a lot of fun, some of my best one-to-one conversations, achievements, adjustments, and adversities. we had to deal with Aaron. "
Last week, McCarthy told ESPN that one of the allegations in history, namely that he had skipped meetings to receive massages in his office, was "nonsense".
Rodgers said in a radio interview, "I think we have to honor Mike and respect him properly."
"We had a hell race," said Rodgers. "We've had 13 years, four NFC championships, one Super Bowl, eight games in a row, 19 wins in a row, so instead of emptying this guy on the way out, let's remember the amazing moments we had together. of Packer, especially those of you who live in Green Bay: Mike lives here Mike has kids down here so Mike has to be here, think about how hard it is for him. would strongly ask to see Mike, shake his hand, say thank you for his memories, thank him for his coaching job, tell him how much you appreciate being part of what we have built here .
"Things have changed from 2006 to 18. We had a bad season in 2005, we built something special and we had a lasting success, instead of throwing it in the trash – last year was It's been tough, but let's honor him and his legacy as the second coach in the Packers' history, if you see him, show him the respect he deserves, not only must he live in Green Bay, but he wants He loves It's going to be here, so if you see him, do him that favor and show him the respect he deserves. "
With respect to McCarthy's replacement, Matt LaFleur, Rodgers testified that he spoke to Brian Gutekunst, General Manager, and Murphy before the position was offered to LaFleur. He added that Gutekunst had asked him to call LaFleur. After this conversation, Murphy called Rodgers to discuss it, said Rodgers.
"He said:" Hey, I know you've already talked to Gutey, we're excited about Matt, there will be some changes, but it will be great, happy that you feel at home. comfortable with that and excited for the future, "Rodgers said. "I said:" Yes Mark, I know the process has been good, you've interviewed a lot of guys but I'm glad you feel good with him. "I had a good conversation and it's going to be a good thing to move towards the front. "
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