The NFL is reviewing an incident involving Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and line judge Jeff Seeman after a broadcast camera appeared to capture the official directing profanity at the Arizona star.
The incident occurred Sunday during the Arizona Cardinals’ 36-24 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
With just under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw an incomplete pass toward McBride on third-and-2. McBride appeared to believe Giants cornerback Dru Phillips made illegal contact before the ball arrived, but no penalty was called.
As McBride voiced his frustration, Seeman appeared to respond with profanity toward the tight end. The exchange was caught by the CBS broadcast camera and quickly went viral.
McBride appeared to realize the camera had captured the interaction and pointed toward it while walking away.
The incident has now drawn the attention of both the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter publicly condemned the apparent exchange and called on the league to hold the official accountable.
“This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable.”
Tretter also pointed out what he believes is a double standard between players and officials.
“Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard.”
The NFL confirmed that it is looking into the matter.
THE DOUBLE STANDARD QUESTION
The incident comes at a time when officials are already facing increased scrutiny around the league.
Players and coaches can be penalized, fined or otherwise disciplined for inappropriate language or conduct toward officials. That has raised an obvious question following the McBride incident:
If players are expected to respect officials, shouldn’t officials be held to the same standard when interacting with players?
The NFL has not announced whether Seeman will face discipline.
McBride finished the game with seven receptions for 31 yards on 12 targets, while the Cardinals fell to 1-3 after New York’s Deonte Banks returned a late interception for a touchdown to seal the Giants’ victory.
For now, the league is reviewing the footage. What happens next could determine whether this becomes another viral NFL moment—or an example of the league holding its officials accountable.
