NFL suspends Jeff Seeman and Adrian Hill after player confrontations

The NFL has suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games and referee Adrian Hill for one following separate confrontations with players during Sunday's fixtures. The league confirmed the penalties on Monday, October 5. According to NFL.com's report, vice president of officiating Ramon George issued both suspensions for conduct towards players that the league deemed unprofessional.

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Seeman's suspension follows an exchange with Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during the game against the New York Giants. NFL.com reported that cameras appeared to show Seeman directing profanity at McBride after the player challenged a decision not to flag contact by a defender. The incident occurred with fewer than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

McBride had been targeted by quarterback Jacoby Brissett on third-and-two. Contact came before the pass reached him, but officials did not penalise the Giants for either pass interference or illegal contact, according to NFL.com. NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter subsequently shared footage of the exchange and called for officials to face the same accountability as players.

Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur addressed Seeman's actions on Monday, BBC Sport reported. LaFleur said the behaviour could not be accepted, while also expressing sympathy for an official he knew and regarded positively. Arizona lost the game 36-24, with McBride's complaint and Seeman's apparent response becoming a separate disciplinary issue after the contest.

Hill's case arose during Minnesota's 15-10 home victory over Miami. BBC Sport reported that Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II pushed Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson into Hill midway through the opening quarter. The play had already been stopped because of a Minnesota penalty, and the collision knocked the referee down.

Wilson attempted to help Hill get up, but Hill rose while pointing and shouting for him to move away. Wilson later told reporters he had apologised and explained the collision. According to the BBC account, Wilson said Hill understood the explanation and had been concerned about preventing a fight between players.

Both officials have lengthy NFL careers. USA TODAY reported that Seeman has worked as a line judge since 2002, while Hill joined the league in 2010 and became a referee ahead of the 2019 season after serving as a line judge and field judge.