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Former NBA player and LA Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known for being an active participant in the field of social activism. With a particular emphasis on vaccination, here are the details of KAJ's response to NFL star Aaron Rodgers' "lie" about being vaccinated.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, all sports-related activities had come to a grinding halt. However, things finally started to move as the NBA presented the idea of a "bubble."
Since then, major sports leagues revamped their activities while implementing certain mandates to ensure the safety of players and staff. One of these mandates pertained to vaccination against COVID-19.
While the idea of instilling a mandate on vaccination made sense, organizations such as the NBA faced immediate and significant blowback from players. In this regard, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took a relatively strong stance against individuals who opposed the mandate.
Abdul-Jabbar's work as a social activist saw him take on NBA superstars such as Kyrie Irving, who refused to take the vaccine. However, the NBA legend didn't restrict his criticism to players within the NBA.
In 2021, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers came under heavy media scrutiny for lying about being vaccinated. The NFL star appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" and not only revealed that he was unvaccinated but also defended his decision.
With particular emphasis on the fact that Rodgers initially claimed that he was "immunized," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tore into the NFL quarterback. Writing a long essay on his Substack page, the NBA legend blasted Rodgers for his demeanor and approach to the matter. In one section of the critique, he wrote:
"Instead of consulting immunologists, he consulted anti-vaxxer and podcast host Joe Rogan, who also contracted the virus. If he ever requires open-heart surgery will he hand the scalpel to romance writers because they know about matters of the heart?"
Rodgers mentioned that the reason he gave such a vague answer regarding his vaccination status was to prevent endangering other teammates who have been unvaccinated. Since making such comments, the NFL quarterback has apologized for his actions.
Kareem was one of many media personalities to criticize Rodgers for his actions. The NFL star certainly earned criticism as he endangered and risked the health of several teammates and team personnel.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's work as a social activist
LA Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is best known for his achievements on the basketball court. As a six-time NBA MVP, 5x NBA champion and the NBA's All-Time leader in points, Kareem is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever do it.
However, his work on the court often overshadows his work for the community and society. Kareem has made quite a name for himself in social justice and activism.
Having stood alongside legendary boxer Muhammad Ali as he boycotted the Vietnam war, KAJ has lent his voice and status to several protests and movements.
Due to his unyielding efforts in the field of social justice, the NBA also introduced and named the Social Justice Champion Award after him. Players such as Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Bullock are among the few who have been named winners.
Matters of social justice have often seen a strong response from the former NBA player. Still participating and raising his voice for the causes he believes in at the age of 74, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains a shining example for young sportspeople to look up to.
