As the Green Bay Packers (7-8) head into their biggest game of the season, they have a lot on the line. On Sunday Night Football, they’ll face the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). The winner will still have a shot at making the playoffs this year, while the loser will be likely be eliminated from any post-season hopes. Thus, this contest is essentially a playoff game.
Today the Packers announced they’ll be suspending star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Shortly after practice, Matt LaFleur addressed Alexander’s future with the team.
Green Bay Packers’ Head Coach Matt LaFleur Addresses Jaire Alexander’s Future With The Organization
For context, this is was was reported earlier today:
The Packers released the following statement:
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander has been placed on the reserve/suspended list by the club for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Wednesday.
“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,” said Gutekunst. “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. We look forward to welcoming him back next week as he is a valued member of this team and will continue to be in the future.”
Although he wasn’t a captain on Sunday, Alexander went out for the coin toss (and won). As soon as Alexander won the coin toss for the Packers, he told the referees that he wanted “Green Bay’s defense on the field,” rather than saying the team wanted to defer.
If he had not clarified, the Packers would have lost the opportunity to receive the second half kickoff. This is certainly a bizarre situation. The team choosing to suspend their own player before the biggest contest of the season (and facing Justin Jefferson) is one that will come with some reactions around the league.
Matt LaFleur Expects Alexander To Remain With The Team
Ryan Wood of USA Today reported:
Matt LaFleur on Jaire Alexander: “I think Ja’s going to be here for a long time. He’s a hell of a player.”
“I know this has been a frustrating season for him. By all means, I want to make this perfectly clear, it has nothing to do with him not being able to play.”
Matt LaFleur on his relationship with Jaire Alexander after suspension: “I absolutely am confident the relationship between me and Jaire will be better for this. We had a great conversation this morning, and I’m looking forward to having him back moving forward.”
Alexander is a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense. Keeping him in Green Bay long-term is obviously what is best for the talent level on the team. Hopefully both sides come out of the situation with more confidence in each other.
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