The NFL Referees Association believes the league is being too informal when it comes to the discipline imposed on two officials.
Referee Adrian Hill (pictured) was suspended one game for his interaction with Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson. Linesman Jeff Seeman was suspended two games for comments he made to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
In a statement released Tuesday, the union representing NFL game officials said: “The NFL Referees Association believes that the suspensions imposed by the NFL on two officials following incidents this past weekend were excessive and inconsistent with past precedent. Given these concerns, NFLRA will challenge the seriousness of these suspensions and will meet with the NFL Referees Department to discuss the league’s disciplinary standards. The association also plans to meet with leaders of the NFL Referees Association. NFL players to address on-field conduct and increasing levels of confrontation between players and officials.
The statement also included a quote from NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green.
“NFL officials have a responsibility to behave professionally on the field, and the actions during these incidents did not meet that standard,” Green said. “Accountability is important, but it should not result in disciplinary measures that are excessive or inconsistent with established precedent.
“Officials are routinely subjected to highly charged interactions and, at times, verbal abuse from players and coaches. While this never excuses misconduct by an official, it should not be viewed 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 uphold the principle that discipline must be fair, consistent and proportionate. Holding officials accountable while ignoring or minimizing conduct against them is neither fair nor an effective way to resolve this problem. We look forward to working with the League and the NFLPA to achieve this shared goal.”
Ultimately, it’s a question of worker leadership. The league has set workplace precedent over the years when it comes to discipline. The NFLRA will argue that the sanction goes beyond established pattern and practice. And the arbitration procedures set forth in the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFLRA will determine the final analysis.
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