NFL Suspends Two Referees for ‘Unprofessional Conduct’ Toward Players

The NFL has suspended two referees following separate incidents involving players during Week 4, with the league citing “unprofessional conduct toward a player”.

Line judge Jeff Seeman has been suspended for two games, while referee Adrian Hill will miss one game.

The suspensions were issued by the NFL’s vice-president of officiating, Ramon George, following contentious interactions during Sunday’s fixtures.

Seeman suspended for incident with Cardinals star

Seeman's suspension follows an incident during the Arizona Cardinals' game against the New York Giants.

Cardinals tight end Trey McBride was shown on a sideline camera during the fourth quarter, with Seeman appearing to direct profanity towards him as McBride came off the field.

NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter criticised the incident, describing it as unacceptable and arguing that officials should be held to the same standards as players.

Seeman has been an NFL official since 2002.

Hill suspended after Vikings-Dolphins incident

Referee Adrian Hill's suspension follows an incident during the Minnesota Vikings' victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Hill was knocked over during a first-quarter play after the whistle had sounded, when Miami running back Ollie Gordon continued blocking Minnesota linebacker Eric Wilson into the official.

Hill got back to his feet and shouted at Wilson following the collision.

Wilson later said he and Hill had spoken about the incident after the game and that he had apologised.

“I ended up apologizing to him and explained the situation,” Wilson said. “He was cool about it. He understood what was going on. He just said he didn’t want us fighting.”

Hill has worked as an NFL official since 2010.

NFL takes action

The league confirmed both suspensions were specifically issued for an “instance of unprofessional conduct toward a player.”

The decisions come amid continued scrutiny of interactions between officials and players, with the NFL making clear that its standards apply to those enforcing the rules as well as those playing under them.

Representatives for the NFL Players Association and the officials' union had not immediately responded to requests for comment.