Aaron Rodgers dodged the question of whether Robert Saleh agreed with the timing of the shooting

The New York media has a reputation for being tough, persistent and dogged. If that's ever the case, that certainly isn't true of the Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers never faced tough questions from reporters covering the Jets. On Thursday, they had their last chance to question coach Robert Saleh about his recent firing.

What did Rogers know? When did he know? Does he agree with the move? Did owner Woody Johnson directly or indirectly seek his input on this move? If Woody doesn't, what bothers you? What would he say if he had?

And there's a difference between being rude and being curious. Rodgers' handling of the situation with Pat McAfee and AJ Hawk on Wednesday (of course, Rodgers wouldn't be doing the show if Rodgers regularly asked him tough questions, or at all) made way for plenty of meaningful questions on Thursday, when Rodgers was with the media before Monday night's game with the Bills. was met

Collectively, the Jets' press corps gets a D-minus for its efforts.

Here's a question that got a revealing answer, even if it didn't make a meaningful follow-up question.

“One of the reasons you came here was Robert,” the reporter said. “But for them to change so quickly to 2-3, did you think it was too soon? Did you think, you know, he deserved more time? What is your general reaction to this and all of this?

“I mean, like I said yesterday,” Rodgers said, “I've seen a lot in 20 years in the league and, you know, it's a beautiful profession; It's a really tough business. So, these decisions were part of it. That was clearly the direction Woody wanted to go. And all we can do now is step back [interim coach Jeff Ulbrich] And move on.”

The reporter dismissed it by asking the third question. This allowed Rodgers to ignore the first two – was it too early, and did he deserve more time?

There are obvious lessons here. Don't ask three related questions in one breath. Ask for one, and only one.

Did Saleh deserve more time?

Or, if you want to ask a real probing question that doesn't require hot flashes or bad-cop attitudes, here's one: “Did Robert Saleh deserve to be fired?”

That's it. seven words There are no recommendations. No windup. No wasted words which become the weaseling pathway.

And no one asked him this simple and direct question.

That's the problem with press conferences. In a truly objective and unbiased one-on-one interview, an investigative reporter would ask this. And if/when Rodgers avoided it, the reporter would say, “That wasn't my question. Did Robert Saleh deserve to be fired?

Is that an important question? absolutely It gets to the heart of the truth of the narrative that Rogers was a mere bystander in the process, with no power, no influence, no say.

And from that one answer – whether it's “yes” or “no” – many other questions can arise, from “why did he deserve it” to (alternatively) “why didn't he deserve it” to “you did”. Share your view with someone that he deserved to be fired before this happened” to (alternatively) “Did someone ask for your input before this happened.” and then, “How do you think Woody would make a decision that you agree with? No, without asking what you think about it”?

Rogers received a question about the content of his Monday night phone call with Johnson.

“He asked me how I was, and we had some small talk, and then the conversation ended,” Rogers said.

That was it. No follow-up. Like, for example, how long was the call? What did you say when asked how you are? What was the small talk? Did he directly or indirectly say anything about the possibility of making major changes? Did he hint that change was coming?

The task is not very difficult. You need to be naturally curious, and you need to be able to convey that curiosity through short, simple questions. It can be done without rebellion, hostility or enmity. It requires clear thinking, the discipline to prevent deviations, and (most importantly) the willingness to put someone like Rogers on the spot.

One thing was clear in every New York press conference I saw with Rodgers. No one put him in a real place.

Now, maybe that's because reporters fear retribution from Rodgers or the team if they dare put a fine talent on the spot. No more access. No more cooperation. No more spoon-feeding scoops.

This is not an excuse. An attempt to explain why this is not happening.

In any competitive bit, no one wants to be known as an “ass.” And, for that reason, no one puts Rodgers on the spot. Or pressure him, when he fails to answer the questions that were put to him, as he did today.

Mainly because, as he did today, the reporter asked a final question that allowed Rogers to ignore the first two.