NFL Suspends Two Officials for Unprofessional Conduct
Line judge Jeff Seeman and referee Adrian Hill face multi-game and single-game suspensions, respectively, following separate player incidents.
The National Football League has suspended two officials for unprofessional conduct directed at players during recent games. Line judge Jeff Seeman received a two-game suspension, and referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game.
The incidents occurred on Sunday. Seeman was seen on camera apparently using profanity toward Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. The exchange happened after McBride complained to Seeman about interference on an incomplete pass during the Cardinals' 36-24 loss to the New York Giants. McBride had felt he was impeded by Giants cornerback Dru Phillips on a pass from Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur commented on the situation Monday, stating, "It's a tough one for me. You hate to see it for obvious reasons. I don't need to go further than that, but I do want to give the man a little bit of grace too. I know Jeff. He's a good man. It's unfortunate it happened. It can't happen obviously and I'll leave it at that."
Hill's suspension stemmed from an incident involving Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson. During the Vikings' 15-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Wilson was pushed into Hill by Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II. The play had been whistled dead due to a Minnesota penalty.
These suspensions highlight the league's stance on maintaining professional conduct among its officiating staff.