NFL investigates line judge after video shows referee swearing at Trey McBride
The players' union demands referees be held to the same disciplinary standard as players following an on-field altercation with the Cardinals tight end.
The NFL has opened a review into line judge Jeff Seeman after broadcast cameras caught the official apparently directing profanity at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
The incident took place with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Facing a third-and-2, Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett targeted McBride, who was contacted prior to the ball's arrival by Giants defensive back Dru Phillips. The officiating crew kept their flags in their pockets, declining to call pass interference or illegal contact.
McBride remonstrated over the no-call, leading to a heated exchange with Seeman on the field. Television replays immediately circulated on social media, appearing to capture the veteran line judge shouting an expletive directly at the Cardinals player.
What did the NFLPA say about the confrontation?
The footage quickly prompted a sharp public reaction from the NFL Players Association. JC Tretter, the executive director of the union, took to social media on Sunday evening to demand consequences for the official.
"This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable," Tretter said. "Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard."
The league regularly issues substantial fines and occasional suspensions to players who direct abusive language or aggressive conduct towards officials. Referees, by contrast, are disciplined behind closed doors, with penalties typically restricted to downgrades in weekly performance evaluations that can cost them prestigious postseason assignments.
The NFL Referees Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Seeman's conduct.
How did the game end for the Cardinals?
The contentious no-call and the ensuing spat stalled Arizona's drive at a critical juncture. Forced to punt following the incomplete pass, the Cardinals were unable to recover their footing.
New York closed out a 36-24 victory when Giants cornerback Deonte Banks intercepted Brissett on the game's final play and ran it back for a touchdown as time expired.
The league has not specified a timeline for concluding its review or whether any formal disciplinary measures against Seeman will be made public.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | New York Giants 36, Arizona Cardinals 24 | Official game result |
| Time remaining at incident | Under five minutes in the fourth quarter | Game broadcast record |
| Deciding turnover | Deonte Banks pick-six as time expired | Official game result |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | NFL team McBride plays for. |
| NFL Players Association | Union representing NFL players that demanded equal accountability for officials. |
| National Football League | Governing body reviewing the line judge's conduct. |
| Jeff Seeman | NFL line judge caught on camera apparently swearing at McBride. |
| Trey McBride | Arizona Cardinals tight end involved in the exchange with the official. |
