NFL just doled out a punishment it hasn't used in 8 years -- to two separate offenders — SkimNews
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- The NFL suspended line judge Jeff Seeman, a 20-year veteran, for two games and referee Adrian Hill for one game for "unprofessional conduct toward a player," with the discipline announced Monday by VP of Officiating Ramon George.
- Seeman was seen appearing to swear at Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during the Giants-Cardinals game at MetLife Stadium, while Hill yelled at Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson after an accidental collision at U.S. Bank Stadium.
- NFL Players Association President JC Tretter demanded equal accountability, stating: "This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable. Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed."
- The simultaneous suspensions are the first since 1968, when six officials were punished for losing track of downs in a Bears-Rams game — 58 years ago.
- Week 4 scrutiny on officials intensified with 235 total penalties called leaguewide, including Patriots coach Mike Vrabel drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct flag after telling a down judge he made "a f---ing terrible call."
Why it matters: The double suspension answers the NFLPA's long-standing call for parity in accountability — players face fines and suspensions for similar conduct, but officials had gone eight years without any discipline. With 235 penalties in a single week and coaches like Vrabel also clashing with officials, the league is signaling that professionalism now applies to everyone in stripes, not just those wearing team colors.
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