In perhaps the most odd sentence I think I’ve ever written. Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander has been suspended by the team for this Sunday’s game at Minnesota for interference in the coin toss.
You read that correctly.
Here’s ESPN’s official story (Packers suspend Jaire Alexander one game after coin-toss mixup ).
Alexander was placed on the reserve/suspended list for one game on Wednesday for conduct determinantal to the team after Alexander, a Charlotte native, went to midfield with the Packers’ captains before their game at Carolina last Sunday – and then took it upon himself to call the coin toss. Alexander called tails and won the toss, saying the Packers wanted to be on defense.
Technically, that’s not deferring to the second half. But because coach Matt LaFleur had told officials in the pregame meeting that the Packers wanted to defer if they won the toss, referee Alex Kemp understood and clarified that Alexander meant that Green Bay wanted to defer.
Packers management was not happy.
“The decision to suspend a player is never easy and not one we take lightly,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said in a release. “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.”
As for why Alexander did what he did, after the game, Alexander said, “It’s only suiting. I don’t think coach knew I was from Charlotte, so…”
The game was Alexander’s first since Nov. 5, because he had missed time with a shoulder injury. He’s played in six games this year. He has four pass break-ups, and no interceptions.
Green Bay’s final regular season game is at home Jan. 7 against Chicago. The Packers are 7-8. If they don’t make the playoffs, it’s possible the Chicago game could be his final game in a Packers uniform: he’s the highest-paid corner in the league ($21 million a year, although his base salary is $1.08 million and the rest came in signing and in roster bonuses).
Alexander is due another $8 million roster bonus in March and is due a $16 million salary next season.
