The NFL is reviewing an on-field exchange in which line judge Jeff Seeman was captured on video using profanity toward Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during Sunday’s 36-24 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
The incident occurred late in the game after McBride was unable to draw a flag on a third-and-2 pass from quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Giants defensive back Dru Phillips made contact with McBride before the ball arrived, but officials did not call either pass interference or illegal contact. Arizona subsequently punted with fewer than five minutes remaining.
Seeman’s response to McBride during the aftermath of the no-call drew public criticism from NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter, the former NFL offensive lineman.
“This kind of behavior from an official toward a player is unacceptable,” Tretter wrote while posting video of the exchange. “Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard.”
The league has begun examining the circumstances surrounding the interaction. The NFL Referees Association had not issued an immediate response.
Arizona’s frustration compounded in the closing seconds. Giants cornerback Deonte Banks intercepted Brissett and returned the takeaway for a touchdown as time expired, sealing New York’s 36-24 victory.
