Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio took pointed jabs at Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday, referencing the former NIAID director's repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment during a contentious Senate hearing. Fangio's comments came during a press conference when a reporter asked about safety Marcus Epps's position battle.
"I'm gonna be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on all questions," Fangio said, drawing laughter from the room. He then added with a grin, shaking his head, "Did you guys see that? Oh my god."
The coach's remarks tapped into the political firestorm surrounding Fauci's appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he pleaded the Fifth 111 times in response to GOP inquiries about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Democrats on the panel defended Fauci, calling the hearing a partisan spectacle.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who chairs the committee, has signaled he will push for a contempt vote against Fauci next week. Paul argued that Fauci's preemptive pardon from former President Biden in January 2025 negates any need to invoke the Fifth, telling reporters, "We believe that with his immunity from criminal liability, that he didn't need to hide behind the Fifth Amendment."
The clash has deepened partisan divides over COVID origins and response, with figures like former CDC director Dr. Deborah Birx noting persistent public anger. Meanwhile, other commentators, including Bill O'Reilly and James Carville, have weighed in on Fauci's strategy and the broader political fallout.
Fangio's humor didn't stop there. Later in the press conference, after suggesting a reporter should have asked Eagles GM Howie Roseman about the team's outside linebacker situation, the reporter replied he already had. Fangio shot back, "And what he'd say? He ducked you? He Faucied you?" to more laughs.
The Eagles opened training camp Tuesday and are set to kick off the regular season on Sept. 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. Fangio's comments, while lighthearted, reflect how Fauci's legal tactics have seeped into popular culture and political discourse.
The controversy shows no signs of abating. Sen. Paul's contempt push, coupled with ongoing probes by state officials like Florida's attorney general, ensures the debate over Fauci's pandemic role and his use of the Fifth Amendment will continue to dominate headlines.
