After disrupting the coin toss, cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Packers is suspended.
We never make this choice lightly, and suspending a player is never an easy one. We regretfully had to take this measure in response to Jaire’s actions before the game in Carolina, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said in a statement on Wednesday. “Everyone in our organisation is expected to prioritise the team. Despite our disappointment, Jaire and I had a productive talk this morning, and we anticipate that he will use this as a lesson as we proceed together. He is and will always be a valued member of this team, and we are excited to have him back next week.
The incident happened at the beginning of last Sunday’s close 33-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers by the Packers. Even though Alexander wasn’t the official game captain, he participated in the coin toss at midfield and called tails properly. However, when referee Alex Kemp ordered him to say “defer,” Alexander didn’t respond.
Alexander later recalled, “I told them, ‘I want our defenders to be out there,’ and they all looked at me like I was insane.” “I mean, it’s very obvious what I said; I want the defence to be made public. “You mean defer?” they ask, and I respond, “Yeah, I think.”
Kickoffs for the first and second halves would have gone to the Panthers if Kemp had not verified Alexander’s intentions.
Regarding Alexander’s call, Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated, “That was a terrible mistake.” “You go over it with the guys before they play each time, saying, ‘Hey, we win the toss, we’re going to defer.'” Before the game, I went to the officials and made sure they understood our plan. We always strive to be proactive in that manner since we had an instance earlier this year where we had a similar situation.”
Alexander was not one of the three game captains that the Packers, who select captains on a week-by-week basis rather than selecting a captain for the whole season, had available. LaFleur and Alexander did not disclose if they were asked for permission to be outside for the coin toss or if it was granted. Alexander remarked, “I don’t think Coach realised I was from Charlotte.” “I mean, the boys supported me on that.” They were aware of my locality.
Despite being a two-time Pro Bowler, Alexander’s season has been hindered by a shoulder ailment. Six games (all starts) this season have yielded 26 tackles, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble for him.
Alexander hadn’t played since November 5th, when he suffered a shoulder injury against the Rams. This Sunday’s game marked his return to action. Although Alexander had been training, he was idle on game days, which raised questions about whether there was another reason why he wasn’t starting for Green Bay.
The Packers (7-8) are still vying for a spot in the wild card round. Win on Sunday against Minnesota (7-8) is imperative.
