Broadcast cameras appeared to catch line judge Jeff Seeman swearing at the Arizona tight end during a loss to the Giants. NFLPA chief JC Tretter called it unacceptable and said officials should face the same standard as players.
The NFL says it is looking into an exchange in which a line judge appeared to swear at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants.
The moment came after McBride argued a call with line judge Jeff Seeman, who appeared on the CBS broadcast to curse back at him. McBride, visibly irritated, then noticed the camera behind him and pointed at it, as if to signal that the outburst had been captured on air.
The league told ESPN on Sunday night that it was reviewing the situation. NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter was quicker to pass judgment.
“This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable,” Tretter said in a statement. “Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard.”
A rough day for officiating
The clip was one of several officiating flashpoints on the same Sunday. In the Vikings-Dolphins game, referee Adrian Hill was knocked over when Minnesota linebacker Eric Wilson was shoved into him, then got up and yelled at Wilson, who appeared to be trying to help him to his feet.
In New England’s win over Buffalo, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel drew an unsportsmanlike conduct flag for telling an official it was a “terrible” call, with an expletive in the middle. Vrabel said afterward that he had used the phrase “about 87 times” as a head coach, that it was “nothing derogatory,” and that the official may have been “a little sensitive,” though he conceded he probably should not have sworn.
It is not yet clear what discipline, if any, Seeman could face if the league concludes he cursed at McBride.
Reporting in this story is based on the CBS broadcast, statements to ESPN and coverage by the New York Post. The photograph is a stock file image, not a photograph of the game described.
