For the coin toss debacle, Jaire Alexander of the Packers was suspended for one game.
The Green Bay Packers have suspended wide receiver Jaire Alexander for one game due to his behavior during the coin toss that preceded their Sunday 33-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Alexander’s suspension was announced by Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Wednesday due to his actions that were detrimental to the team. Alexander’s suspension prevents him from playing for the Packers (7-8) on Sunday night when they visit the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). This game is crucial to both teams’ chances of making the playoffs.
The most vital member of Minnesota’s offense, wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Vikings, was expected to be the key defender for Alexander. This was especially true now that quarterback Kirk Cousins is out for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Alexander showed up for the coin toss last Sunday despite not having been chosen as the team captain for the Panthers game. By first stating that the Packers preferred to play defense first rather than stating that they deferred the option, he almost cost his team. Alex Kemp, the referee, urged Alexander to elaborate, which gave the Packers a break.
“We never make this choice lightly, and suspending a player is never an easy one. We regretfully have to take this measure as a result of Jaire’s actions before the game in Carolina,” Gutekunst stated in a statement.
“Everyone in our organization is expected to prioritize the team. Despite our disappointment, Jaire and I had a productive chat this morning, and we anticipate that he will use this as a lesson as we go forward together. He is a valued component of this team and always will be, so we are excited to have him return next week.”
For Alexander, 26, this season has been unlike any other. Alexander’s back problem caused him to miss three games early in the season. Alexander returned to action with the win at Carolina, having missed six games due to a shoulder issue, though he was never placed on injured reserve.
