The Green Bay Packers have suspended cornerback Jaire Alexander for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team, arising from his coin-toss blunder last week that nearly cost the team a possession. Alexander, who correctly called tails during the coin toss against the Carolina Panthers but failed to say “defer,” will miss the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In a statement, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing the organization’s expectation that everyone puts the team first. Gutekunst mentioned a conversation with Alexander and the hope that he learns from the incident.
The coin-toss incident occurred in the Packers’ narrow 33-30 win over the Carolina Panthers. Despite not being a designated game captain, Alexander joined the coin toss, correctly called tails, but failed to explicitly state “defer.” This oversight prompted a double-check by the referee, preventing a potential error that would have given the Panthers the first- and second-half kickoffs.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the significance of Alexander’s mistake and highlighted the importance of reviewing such procedures with the team before each game. The Packers, who choose captains on a week-to-week basis, had their designated captains present during the coin toss, and Alexander was not one of them.
Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been hampered by a shoulder injury this season but has contributed significantly in the games he played. Despite the suspension, the Packers (7-8) remain in contention for a wild-card berth, making the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) a must-win situation as they vie for a playoff spot.
