NFL Referees Association says officials' suspensions were excessive

The NFL Referees Association announced it will challenge the recent suspensions of two league officials, describing the penalties as excessive and inconsistent with earlier cases. Referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension after an exchange with Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, while line judge Jeff Seiman was suspended for two games following remarks made to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.

In a statement released Tuesday, the union said it will meet with the NFL Officiating Department to discuss disciplinary standards and also plan discussions with the NFL Players Association to address on-field conduct and confrontations between players and officials.

"NFL officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves professionally on the field, and the actions in these incidents fell short of that standard," said NFLRA executive director Scott Green. "Accountability matters, but that should not result in discipline that is excessive or inconsistent with established precedent."

The association emphasized that while officials often face heated interactions and verbal abuse, such treatment does not excuse misconduct, nor should it be dismissed as part of the game. It called for discipline that is fair, consistent and proportionate, and indicated that arbitration under the collective bargaining agreement will ultimately determine the outcome.