The NFL has begun an investigation regarding a sideline referee cursing at Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride during the 36-24 loss to the New York Football Giants in New Jersey.
The NFL Players Association, plus the NFL Referees Association, have gotten involved.
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If you watched the game, you know what this moment was.
The fourth quarter was winding down, and the Giants were clinging to a 27-24 lead, but had to punt. The kick was signaled a fair catch by KR
Devin Duvernay at the 13-yard line, but instead, he let it hit the turf at the 15-yard line, and it was downed at the three-yard line. Now, the Cardinals had to drive the field in the hopes of getting into field goal range.
QB Jacoby Brissett gained seven yards after being flushed from the pocket. On second down, RB Tyler Allgeier was tackled by NT DJ Reader after just a one-yard gain. This brought up third-and-two from the 11-yard line. Brissett dropped back to pass, and flung it in the direction of McBride just past the first down marker on the left side. Giants nickelback Dru Phillips picked up McBride off the line, grabbed his jersey, released, and was able to bat away the pass. He was obviously all over McBride and made physical contact without the tight end catching the ball.
Before the ball even arrived, McBride was falling.
Editor’s note: This play begins at the 13:07 mark
McBride got to his knees while on the turf with his arms up at the 19-yard line, waiting for a pass interference call. None was thrown. McBride got to his feet and started barking at the line judge, Jeff Seeman, who was stationed at the 13-yard line in perfect view of the play.
McBride then began to walk towards the line judge, jawing the entire time. The referee, who is situated behind the offense, also had a good view and did not throw his flag either.
In the live feed, McBride was livid. Cardinals personnel had to pull him away from the line judge. Arizona was forced to punt.
Since the conclusion of the Giants game, the NFL is in full review of the official’s apparent use of profanity directed at McBride in their little back-and-forth. Seeman was caught on camera cussing out McBride, who most likely was cussing out Seeman. It appears Seeman yelled out “F*** you” twice. Seeman is wearing a microphone.
The NFLPA is asking the NFL to hold Seeman accountable for the verbal tirade.
NFL players go through similar situations and suffer the consequences.
The incompletion to McBride was obvious as Phillips pulled the tight end down as the ball approached. McBride normally has a pretty calm and cool demeanor during games, but it was evident what had happened with Seeman only six yards away from the action.
The NFL Referees Association has not responded to any inquiries regarding this incident.
