NFL launches investigation after viral videos show refs yelling at Trey McBride, Eric Wilson
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL is investigating two heated exchanges between officials and players after viral videos showed referees appearing to yell at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson.
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The incidents have sparked questions about how officials interact with players, particularly after NFLPA executive director JC Tretter called for the league to hold referees to the same standards as players.
McBride’s exchange came during the Cardinals’ 36-24 loss to the New York Giants. Wilson was involved in a separate incident during Minnesota’s game against the Miami Dolphins after he inadvertently knocked referee Adrian Hill over.
NFL is reviewing viral referee incident involving McBride and Wilson
McBride appeared to be arguing a pass interference call with line judge Jeff Seeman during the fourth quarter against the Giants.
The broadcast appeared to capture Seeman responding with profanity, with the exchange quickly spreading online and drawing criticism from fans.
Tretter then publicly addressed the incident, writing: “This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable. Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter subsequently reported that the NFL was reviewing the situation. The NFL Referees Association had also been contacted for comment, although no response had been provided at the time of the report.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s incident unfolded after players became tangled following a play. Wilson was pushed into Hill, knocking the referee down, before offering to help him back up.
Hill then appeared to get to his feet and yell at Wilson, with another official stepping between them.
The incidents came on the same day Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was penalised for using expletives while arguing with an official. Vrabel later said he had described the call as “terrible” and insisted he had said similar things many times before.
That contrast has fuelled the focus on whether officials should face the same level of accountability as players and coaches.
The NFL’s investigation could now determine whether any action is taken over the McBride and Wilson incidents, with the league facing pressure to address the exchanges publicly.
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