The entire NFL community is watching as the Green Bay Packers appear to be imploding on what was once a certain playoff birth. It would be one thing if the final games were close and the Green Bay Packers were to miss out on the playoffs after tightly contested good games. But it is shaping up to be a cumulation of really bad decisions that ultimately have fans anxiously awaiting to see how this regular season will end.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Latest
The head coach for the Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur, insisted that the recent near coin toss debacle had “nothing to do with the whole incident”. The incident coach La Fleur is of course referring to is the one-game suspension of Jaire Alexander.
Prior to the Green Bay Packers game against the Carolina Panthers, the star cornerback of course filled a self-appointed role by not only walking out for the coin toss but then also calling the flip. He was fortunate to not forfeit possession thanks to the graces of the referees accepting his wording.
What looked to be the end of a silly incident is now evolving and growing a completely unnecessary life of its own. The way that this Green Bay Packers organization has handled this, not only draws unwanted added attention but also undermines their authority with players and fans throughout the league.
Green Bay Packers Feel Good Approach
The messaging that has since emerged from the Green Bay Packers organization is both mixed and undermining. After further elaboration from coach LaFleur, he explained:
I’ll just say this: It’s never for one thing. I think there’s a lot of lessons along the way from everybody involved and hopefully we learn from them, and I think we will. I think there will probably be better communication moving forward.
This begs the question, what possible lack of communication, or inappropriate form of communication could have warranted a one-game suspension that was not related to the coin toss?
The answer is answered from Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst:
The decision to suspend a player is never easy and not one we take lightly. Unfortunately, Jaire’s actions prior to the game in Carolina led us to take this step. As an organization, we have an expectation that everyone puts the team first. While we are disappointed, we had a good conversation with Jaire this morning and fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward together.
Clearly the only communication issue from the Green Bay Packers organization itself. For some a one-game suspension was harsh, but had the leadership come out together to stand by their decision, even now the focus would be on the Vikings.
The players know why Alexander was suspended, but this backtracking and half-support of the decision will not boost any confidence in the locker room.
The incident, response, and subsequent attempted clarifications show a complete lack of direction or authority. The buy-in from Green Bay Packers players that was already teetering is now even more damaged.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
