Rodgers, Cunningham and Clark Face Backlash for Speech and Silence

Athletes in major sports draw criticism whether they speak out on controversial topics or say nothing.

Aaron Rodgers, the NFL quarterback, publicly called Dr. Anthony Fauci an "absolute coward" on ESPN, claiming COVID-19 was "made in a lab."

The remarks followed Fauci's appearance before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, where Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.

Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, made her position clear on transgender athletes in sport, expressing concern about "young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." Protesters have announced plans for demonstrations in support of Cunningham.

Caitlin Clark, Cunningham's teammate on the Indiana Fever, declined to comment on Cunningham's remarks. When a reporter pressed her further, Clark shut the questioning down.

Speaking out, as Rodgers and Cunningham did, generated immediate public backlash. Staying silent, as Clark chose to do, drew its own scrutiny. For high-profile athletes, there is no neutral ground.

Athletes in major sports draw criticism whether they speak out on controversial topics or say nothing.

Aaron Rodgers, the NFL quarterback, publicly called Dr. Anthony Fauci an "absolute coward" on ESPN, claiming COVID-19 was "made in a lab."

The remarks followed Fauci's appearance before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, where Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.

Caitlin Clark, Cunningham's teammate on the Indiana Fever, declined to comment on Cunningham's remarks. When a reporter pressed her further, Clark shut the questioning down.

Speaking out, as Rodgers and Cunningham did, generated immediate public backlash. Staying silent, as Clark chose to do, drew its own scrutiny. For high-profile athletes, there is no neutral ground.