Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has been suspended one game by the team for his actions during the coin toss preceding the Packers game vs. Carolina on Sunday. Alexander, who hadn’t been selected as a team captain for the game with the Panthers, came out for the coin toss and nearly cost his team by initially saying the Packers wanted to be on defense first (rather than saying they deferred the option). Referee Alex Kemp asked Alexander to clarify, and the Packers received a break.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst announced Wednesday that Alexander was being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, which means the cornerback will not play during their Sunday night game at Minnesota. Gutekunst said in a statement: “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. 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.”
The 26-year-old Alexander missed three games earlier this season due to a back injury; and the victory at Carolina marked his return after he sat out six games with a shoulder issue.
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