Speaking for the first time since Jaire Alexander’s suspension following Sunday’s coin toss mixup, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur attempted to set the record straight.
“It had nothing to do with that whole incident,” LaFleur told reporters during Wednesday’s media availability.
“I’ll just say this: It’s never for one thing,” the coach continued. “I think there’s a lot of lessons along the way from everybody involved and hopefully we learn from them, and I think we will. I think there will probably be better communication moving forward.”
Alexander anointed himself captain and went to midfield with the three elected captains players on Christmas Eve in a strange incident.
LaFleur revealed that he and the Pro Bowl corner had a “long conversation” about what transpired this morning.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re at that juncture. [We] felt like it was in the best interest long term for our team and for Jaire. Certainly it was a tough decision, especially kind of where we’re at right now, and one we don’t take lightly, but there are standards we’re all held accountable for.”
“I think Ja is going to be here a long time,” LaFleur concluded. “He’s a hell of a player and just looking to move past this and learn from it, and we’ll all move forward and be better for it.”