Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism of Wisconsin fandom, declined interview
Aaron Rodgers was in attendance for Wisconsin's 85-78 Elite Eight win over Arizona on Saturday night, but a run in with a reporter put the focus on the Green Bay Packers quarterback more than he would have liked.
Rodgers, now having spent 10 years in Wisconsin since being selected by the Packers in the 2005 draft, was on the floor with the team as they cut down the nets following the win.
CBS reporter Dennis Dodd took exception to both Rodgers' presence in an otherwise media-exclusive area as well as his unwillingness to give interviews.
Aaron Rodgers in one of the biggest moments in the state's history -- ignoring how media has shaped his image -- "I'm not doing interviews"
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) March 29, 2015
Where do we draw the line? USC can't have celebs on sideline anymore after sanctions. But feel-good A Rodgers can be on court with Badgers?
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) March 29, 2015
Dodd's critical comments quickly drew criticism on Twitter, including an irritated response from Rodgers later that night.
To the biggest twitter crybaby of the night, I had a pass to be on the court. Send your complaints to the A.D. #quitcrying #youreajoke
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 29, 2015
Also with interview requests, sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes it's no. I'm not there for u, I'm there to support my friends n UW.
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 29, 2015
Rodgers, who played his college football at the University of California, also had an appropriate response and math lesson for those who were upset by his Wisconsin fandom.
2 semesters at Butte
3 semesters at Cal
10 years a Wisconsin resident.
I'll pull for any team I want.
But I don't wear red.
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 29, 2015
Only six months until football season.