The NFL suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games and referee Adrian Hill for one game after their actions in separate games of Week 4.
Now, the NFL Referees Association is calling out the decision, saying the discipline was “excessive” and “inconsistent.”
Here is the statement from NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green.
The NFL Referees Association believes the suspensions imposed by the NFL on two officials following incidents this past weekend were excessive and inconsistent with past precedent. Given these concerns, the NFLRA will challenge the severity of those suspensions and meet with the NFL Officiating Department to discuss the League’s disciplinary standards. The association also plans to meet with NFL Players Association leadership to address on-field conduct and the growing levels of confrontation between players and officials. Statement from Scott Green, NFLRA Executive Director: “NFL officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves professionally on the field, and the actions in these incidents fell short of that standard. Accountability matters, but that should not result in discipline that is excessive or inconsistent with established precedent. “Officials are routinely subjected to highly charged interactions and, at times, verbal abuse from players and coaches. While that never excuses misconduct by an official, it shouldn’t be dismissed as simply part of the game. The League expects the highest level of professionalism from its officials, and it should demand the same from everyone on the field. “We will defend the principle that discipline must be fair, consistent and proportionate. Holding officials accountable while ignoring or minimizing the conduct directed at them is neither fair nor an effective way to address this issue. We look forward to working with the League and NFLPA toward that shared goal.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 6, 2026
Green said that officials are constantly subject to “verbal abuse from players and coaches” and that handing down this discipline while “ignoring or minimizing the conduct directed at them” is not a fair process.
Seeman was seen yelling curse words at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, and a sideline reporter revealed that McBride hadn’t said anything out of the ordinary to warrant such a reaction from Seeman.
Hill got in the face of Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson after an unintentional collision between the two (video here).
So, the NFLRA is pushing back against the discipline, and this saga isn’t over just yet.
