The Green Bay Packers have suspended cornerback Jaire Alexander for one game for his behavior during the coin
toss before to their 33-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated Wednesday that Alexander would be suspended for conduct
detrimental to the team. Alexander’s suspension means he will not participate for the Packers (7-8) in their Sunday
night game at the Minnesota Vikings (7-8), which is vital to both teams’ postseason prospects.
Alexander was expected to be the primary defender on superstar Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the most
crucial player on Minnesota’s offense, especially with quarterback Kirk Cousins out for the season due to a ruptured
Achilles.
Alexander was not named team captain for last Sunday’s game against the Panthers, but he did participate in the
coin toss. He nearly cost his team by first stating that the Packers preferred to be on defense rather than deferring
the option. The Packers were given a respite when referee Alex Kemp asked Alexander to clarify.
“The decision to suspend a player is never simple, and we don’t take it lightly. Unfortunately, Jaire’s conduct leading
up to the game in Carolina prompted us to take this action,” Gutekunst said in a statement.
As an organization, we demand that everyone prioritizes the team. While we are unhappy, we had a positive talk with
Jaire this morning and fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward. We are excited to welcome him back
next week since he is a valuable member of this team and will continue to be in the future.”
