There are things that refs shouldn’t do during or after games, and asking for an autograph is somewhere near the top of the list.
After the Buccaneers’ embarrassing loss to the Panthers Sunday afternoon, refs Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter were caught asking for an autograph from Bucs WR Mike Evans.
It’s an evil look for reasons alone and against the rules. Because of that, the NFL has opened an investigation into the matter, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The NFL is reviewing a video that appears to show two officials in uniform asking Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans for an autograph in the tunnel after Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The video captured by 1340 AM Fox Sports shows side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter calling Evans’ name and each getting autographs from the star receiver after Tampa Bay’s 21-3 loss.
Lamberth is in his 21st season and Sutter is in his fourth.
The NFL and the NFL Referees Association bar officials from approaching players, coaches and NFL team personnel for autographs, as it can give the appearance of partiality.
The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFLRA allows officials to seek autographs, team merchandise and memorabilia for charitable endeavors, but those requests must be made through the league’s officiating department and not in person.
NFL Network first reported Monday that the league was looking into the video.
Not much is known about what they are looking for or the punishment, but it will likely happen soon.
They knew better than to ask Brady for an autograph after a loss. I don’t think this is a big deal unless they put the autograph up on EBay.
Flip the page to see more reactions from the Twitter world there was mixed reactions.
