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NFL player’s criticism of artificial turf raises eyebrows after missing game on synthetic field
David Bakhtiari insists he was injured and wasn't avoiding the artificial surface
September 21, 2023 By Turf & Rec
Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari, who recently spoke out against artificial turf following an injury to former teammate Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, has raised eyebrows after missing a game played on synthetic turf.
He opened the season playing on natural grass, but was inactive the following week for a game against the Atlanta Falcons, who play on artificial turf. He insists he missed the game because he was nursing an injury.
Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur got riled up when speaking to the sports media, telling reporters he was through talking about Bakhtiari’s injury amid allegations the player wished to avoid playing on artificial turf.
Bakhtiari has insisted he wouldn’t intentionally miss a game, whether the playing surface was artificial or natural.
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