It was a rough start to the NFC Championship for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who ended up throwing an interception on his first drive of the game.
Moments later thanks to a Seattle Seahawks turnover, Rodgers and his Packers were given a second chance and quickly marched down the field yet again. Just feet from bursting through for the first touchdown of the game, Seattle’s defense held tough and forced Green Bay into a field goal attempt.
After the failed third down, which ended with Eddie Lacy being stuffed at the goal line, Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks (who earlier in the week questioned Aaron Rodgers’ “whiteness”) made his way to the Pro Bowl quarterback and taunted him by offering to shake his hand.
Rodgers gave no response while Thomas, after a moment of waiting, joined the Seahawks’ celebration.
For what it’s worth, there was no taunting penalty called on the play which was a bit odd. Perhaps none of the refs saw what took place or didn’t understand what was going on, though it was a clear party foul on behalf of Thomas who was having fun at the expense of the Packers quarterback. Rodgers, meanwhile, didn’t appear overly appreciative nor were any Packers fans.
That shit Earl Thomas pulled is why Seattle pisses me off
— Jon Domino (@Jon_Domino) January 18, 2015
How has Earl Thomas III not been given an unsportsman like penalty there?!?!
— Shaun (: (@SomeLankyMan) January 18, 2015
NFL referees really need to clear up on unsportsmanlike conduct. Earl Thomas can taunt Aaron Rodgers but an off field taunt is a flag. #NFL
— James (@gearyman) January 18, 2015
Someone want to explain to me how Green Bay gets a taunting penalty and 4 plays later Earl Thomas gets nothing?
— Tyler Morgan (@tmonation) January 18, 2015