NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is responding to claims that he supported false conspiracy theories regarding the tragic 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Rodgers allegedly shared conspiracy theories about the shooting on multiple occasions, according to a CNN report.
The four-time NFL MVP posted a response to the claim on X Thursday.
"As I'm on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy," Rodgers said.
"I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place."
As I’m on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to…
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 14, 2024
CNN claimed that Rodgers told CNN's Pamela Brown at a 2013 Kentucky Derby after-party that the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and six adults, was orchestrated by the government.
In Thursday's message, Rodgers said, "Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community."
The response did not mention who he thought carried out the shooting.
It is the latest in a string of controversies involving the former Super Bowl champion.
Rodgers has faced criticism for inaccurately stating in 2021 that he was "immunized" against COVID-19 without actually receiving a vaccine, a statement he later acknowledged was misleading, and for implying earlier this year that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel had connections to late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The Sandy Hook controversy surfaced after it was reported that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had spoken to Rodgers about joining his ticket as the vice presidential candidate.
Kennedy has faced his own controversies, including backlash for his anti-vaccine views.
