The NFL has announced the suspension of a line judge for two games after an incident involving Arizona tight end Trey McBride. Line judge Jeff Seeman was captured on camera using profanity towards McBride during the Cardinals’ recent game against the New York Giants. The altercation prompted criticism from JC Tretter, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, who emphasized that such behavior towards players is unacceptable and called for officials to be held to the same standards as players.
The contentious interaction occurred towards the end of the game when no penalty was called on New York’s Dru Phillips for contact with McBride. The Cardinals subsequently punted, leading to a 36-24 victory for the Giants, highlighted by a pick-6 by Deonte Banks. Referee Adrian Hill also faced suspension for unprofessional conduct during the Miami-Minnesota game after an incident with Eric Wilson.
Ramon George, the league’s vice-president of officiating, imposed the suspensions. This is not the first instance of an official facing disciplinary action for on-field interactions with players. Umpire Roy Ellison had previously been fined and placed on leave for derogatory comments towards players in 2018 and was suspended in 2013 for similar behavior.
