Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur jokingly told the Fox production team that he prays each time kicker Anders Carlson goes out for a field goal, but he isn't happy with how his comment was reported.
LaFleur told reporters Monday that he found it "extremely disappointing" that it was portrayed as a serious slight against one of his players.
Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdate<a href="">#Packers</a> HC Matt LaFleur says the FOX broadcast relaying that he prays before every FG was "extremely disappointing."<br><br>LaFleur says he was saying it in jest and it was portrayed the wrong way.<a href=""> <a href="">
While it was said in jest, the revelation of LaFleur's comment came at an unfortunate time as Carlson missed a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of Saturday's NFC Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The field goal would've given the Packers a seven-point lead, but they went on to suffer a 24-21 loss after a go-ahead touchdown by 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey with 1:07 left in the game.
Still, LaFleur lamented the way his comment was disseminated during Saturday's broadcast.
"I've been a part of production meets ever since I became a coordinator, and I've never had an experience like that," LaFleur said. "But it is what it is, I've talked to Anders about it. I think anytime something is out of your control, you're kind of saying it in jest and having fun with it. But it got portrayed that way, and it's a learning lesson for me."
Carlson was 29-of-36 on field goals and 41-of-47 on extra points this season including the playoffs. He admitted to being disappointed in his performance and said he plans to be better for next season.
"I think there's a lot to learn," Carlson said after the loss, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "For me, it's tough to see these guys because I know how much they put in. I just want to put them in the best position as possible. Just thinking about them and working for them."
