Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about tennis star Novak Djokovic, following Djokovic's appearance on a tennis court with Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
During an interview with CNN's Erin Burnett, Green, who has a background as an emergency room physician, expressed a rather harsh sentiment, suggesting that someone should "hit [Djokovic] with an overhead and shows him what it means to hurt somebody."
As reported by Gateway Pundit, Djokovic has been a vocal skeptic of vaccines, a stance that led him to miss several major tennis tournaments, including the U.S. Open, due to his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This skepticism has placed him at odds with many public health officials, particularly during a time when vaccine mandates and lockdowns were prevalent. Governor Green, who played a significant role in Hawaii's stringent pandemic response as Lieutenant Governor, has been a staunch advocate for such measures, including indoor mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
In the interview, Burnett highlighted Djokovic's past vaccine-related controversies, noting his inability to participate in certain tournaments due to his vaccination status. She questioned Green about the implications of recent budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and their potential impact on vaccine distribution in Hawaii. Green responded by emphasizing the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy, particularly in rural areas, and criticized Djokovic's association with Kennedy, stating, "Novak hanging out with RFK, while good for cardiovascular health, wont do anything to prevent the spread of AIDS with good public health advice."
Green's critique extended beyond Djokovic's personal choices, as he lamented the broader implications of such associations on public health. He argued that the involvement of figures like Kennedy in public health discussions is detrimental, describing it as a "B.S. distraction" and expressing concern for the healthcare system. "Shame on Novak for cozying up to this guy," Green stated, urging Djokovic to focus on tennis rather than public health matters.
The governor's remarks reflect a broader tension between public health advocates and those who question vaccine efficacy and mandates. Green's comments underscore the challenges faced by public health officials in promoting vaccination amidst skepticism and misinformation. He concluded his critique by wishing Djokovic well in his tennis endeavors but firmly advising him to "stay out of public health."
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