Packers' Matt LaFleur comments on decision to stop Patriots game
Once the severity of Isaiah Bolden's injury became clear, it became even more clear that calling off the Green Bay Packers-New England Patriots preseason game was the right decision. But, even then, hearing Packers head coach Matt LaFleur's explanation behind the decision is reassuring in the fact that teams care more than ever about the […]
Once the severity of Isaiah Bolden's injury became clear, it became even more clear that calling off the Green Bay Packers-New England Patriots preseason game was the right decision.
But, even then, hearing Packers head coach Matt LaFleur's explanation behind the decision is reassuring in the fact that teams care more than ever about the health and safety of their players.
"Obviously [it was] a very scary ending to the game right there," LaFleur said after the game. "Thoughts and prayers to Isaiah Bolden and his family. [It's] a scary situation; one that you never want to see in our game. I thought it was in the best interest of both teams and both coach Belichick and I spoke on the field and [decided] to take the action that we took.
"There was a lot of good work that we've had over the last couple of days, but it's hard to think about much of that and we just hope that young man is going to be OK."
It was nearly impossible to avoid thinking of Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills, and the Cincinnati Bengals while watching the situation unfold at Lambeau Field. Fortunately, this situation wasn't nearly as serious – though that took nothing away from the impact and severity of the moment. At the same time, the decision required Roger Goodell's input and just like with Hamlin, Goodell and co. made the correct call to end the game.
"That was something that was made on the field," said LaFleur. "And that can only go through the Commissioner and we both agreed that was probably the right way to handle the situation. So, I've got no regrets about that decision..
"… Anytime you see somebody getting carted off like that, it's a tough situation to witness. And you could see the care for that young man, with this teammates and the coaches, so it felt like that was the right thing to do."
Per LaFleur, the Packers are going to meet Sunday to discuss everything, which is another step in the right direction when it comes to handling the fallout.
"We're going to get together tomorrow. We'll have a team meeting and talk about it. There's a risk every time you go on the field. Like I said, it's an unfortunate part of our game that you never want to see and when it happens it can be pretty scary. You never want to think about that, going into a game when you're playing, because usually when you're thinking about getting hurt something bad could happen. You want to go out there and play fast and play free, but unfortunately that's part of the game."
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bolden had feeling in all of his extremities and was taken to a local hospital for further testing and evaluation. Update: Schefter reported Sunday morning that Bolden was released from the hospital and will travel back to New England with the team.
Featured image via William Glasheen-USA TODAY Sports
