NFL suspends officials after incidents involving McBride and Wilson

Line judge Jeff Seeman was given a two-game NFL ban after apparently using profanity toward Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Arizona’s 36-24 defeat by the New York Giants. In a different matter involving Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, referee Adrian Hill was banned for one game.¹²

McBride exchange

The incident involving Seeman came with just under five minutes remaining in the Cardinals-Giants game. McBride believed New York’s Dru Phillips had interfered with him on an incomplete pass from Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, according to the BBC. The Guardian reported that no penalty was called on Phillips, that Arizona failed to convert the third down and that McBride questioned the decision.¹²

Footage appeared to show Seeman responding to McBride with the words “fuck you”, according to the Guardian. The outlet reported that McBride appeared to laugh after noticing that a camera had captured the exchange. The Cardinals then kicked the ball away, and New York ultimately prevailed 36-24.²

The NFL initially said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the exchange, according to the Guardian. It subsequently suspended Seeman for two games. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said the episode was unfortunate and should not happen, while also saying he knew Seeman and regarded him as “a good man”.¹²

JC Tretter, executive director of the NFL Players Association, criticised the alleged conduct. “This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable,” Tretter said, adding that players face accountability in comparable circumstances and that the union expected the league to apply the same standard to officials.²

Separate Hill suspension

Hill’s one-game suspension arose from the Minnesota-Miami game, which the Vikings won 15-10. The BBC reported that Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II pushed Wilson into Hill after a play had been blown dead because of a Minnesota penalty.¹

According to the Guardian, Hill shouted at Wilson and gestured for him to move away after Wilson attempted to help the official up. Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell described it as an incident in a “high-energy moment” and said he had no major concerns. Wilson said he had no issue with Hill’s behaviour and described the moment as funny.²

Ramon George, the NFL’s vice-president of officiating, issued both suspensions, the Guardian reported. The BBC described the disciplinary action as involving two cases of unprofessional conduct towards players. Yahoo Sports reported that the sanctions were seen as a wider warning to the league, though that interpretation was attributed to broadcaster Pat McAfee.¹²³

Earlier discipline

The cases follow previous NFL punishment of umpire Roy Ellison for interactions with players. According to the Guardian, Ellison received a one-game ban in 2013 after directing a profane, derogatory remark at Trent Williams. In 2018, an allegation involving Jerry Hughes led to a $9,300 fine and one game of administrative leave.²