NFL Investigates Official for Apparent Profanity Directed at Player
Line judge Jeff Seeman's interaction with Cardinals' Trey McBride is under review, drawing criticism from the NFLPA.
The NFL is reviewing an incident in which a line judge, Jeff Seeman, appeared to use profanity towards Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The interaction occurred while McBride was arguing a call.
Video captured Seeman seemingly directing expletives at McBride. The Cardinals player appeared to notice the broadcast camera capturing the exchange. The NFL confirmed it was investigating the matter.
JC Tretter, executive director of the NFL Players Association, condemned the official's alleged behavior. "This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable," Tretter stated on social media. "Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard."
The incident comes amid other officiating controversies from Sunday's games. In the Vikings-Dolphins game, referee Adrian Hill drew criticism for his reaction after being bumped by Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson. Hill appeared to yell at Wilson, who seemed to be attempting to help the official up.
Additionally, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for calling a referee's decision a "terrible f–ing call" during the Patriots' win over the Bills. Vrabel commented to reporters that while he likely shouldn't have sworn, he stands by his assessment of the call, noting his history of similar remarks from the sidelines.