The Green Bay Packers suspended star cornerback Jaire Alexander after a debacle involving the coin toss before last Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
The trouble began when Alexander – who wasn’t named a captain – followed the other captains to midfield for the coin toss. Once there, Alexander called tails and nearly cost the Packers a possession after telling the referees he wanted to start the game on defense.
A lost possession could have well lost the Packers the game, considering they only won the contest because the Panthers ran out of time with a mere three-point lead.
The Packers made it clear how seriously they viewed Alexander’s stunt when General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced his suspension.
Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
“Jaire’s actions before the game in Carolina led us to take this step. As an organization, we have an expectation that everyone puts the team first.”Alexander hasn’t made a public statement since the announcement of his suspension. However, after the game, he did speak to reporters about going out for the coin toss.
Jaire Alexander wasn’t announced by the Packers as a game captain, but he went out for the coin toss anyway. And called it. And won it. And almost messed it up.
Sounds like he just did it on his own.
“It’s only suiting. I don’t think coach knew I was from Charlotte.” pic.twitter.com/EVahq6QoOJ
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 24, 2023
The Packers currently sit at 7-8 with a pivotal matchup against division-rival Minnesota on Sunday night.