Packers’ Matt LaFleur Says Fox’s Tom Rinaldi Misled Viewers With Portrayal of Viral Quote

Matt LaFleur is not pleased with Fox Sports reporter Tom Rinaldi. 

During the Green Bay Packers’ 24—21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs Saturday, Rinaldi raised some eyebrows while informing broadcast viewers of a quote uttered by LaFleur. 

Shortly after kicker Anders Carlson missed a field-goal attempt that would have given the Packers a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, Rinaldi informed viewers that LaFleur told him “he just prays“ when Carlson takes the field for his kicks. It’s a comment that went viral during and after the game, with many observers speculating it was a blatant sign of the Packers coach’s lack of faith in his kicker. 

On Monday, LaFleur spoke to the media in Green Bay and said Rinaldi’s portrayal of his quote was “extremely disappointing.” 

“That was extremely disappointing that that’s how that message got portrayed. I’ve been a part of production meetings ever since I became a coordinator, and I’ve never had an experience like that,” said LaFleur. 

The Packers coach added that his comment was said in jest, indicating that he feels Rinaldi misled viewers with his portrayal of the quote. 

Of course, no one would blame LaFleur for looking to the heavens when Carslon, who missed six field goals and five extra points in a rookie season filled with turbulence, trots onto the field. 

However, LaFleur has made it clear he feels his comment was taken out of context.