There was a controversy over the weekend regarding Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, and two referees.
It appeared at first that Evans was signing autographs for the referees in the tunnel following the game, which would violate the referee conduct policies.
The NFL rules state that members of an officiating team “shall not… ask players, coaches, or any other team personnel to sign autographs or memorabilia.”
I didn’t know that refs receive autographs after the game. pic.twitter.com/4IgUHIiAgz
Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) October 23, 20,22
The NFL stated that an investigation found that the referees were and notseeking autographs. They released a statement.
We have spoken with the people involved and confirmed that there was no autograph request from the game officials after the interaction between Jeff Lamberth, Tripp, and Mike Evans. Lamberth and Sutter were reminded that it is important to avoid any appearance of impropriety in interactions with players, coaches and staff members on gameday. This includes during pregame and postgame periods em>
Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network reported then that Evans was simply sharing the number of a coach in golf with the referee.
Full story: #2Bucs Side judge Jeff Lamberth and Mike Evans both attended Texas A&M. Lamberth was obtaining Evans’ number so that he could pass it on to a professional golfer to give Evans lessons. Lamberth couldn’t find paper so he borrowed it from an official.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2022
In a statement, the NFL stated that Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter were reminded by the NFL of the importance to avoid any appearance of improper conduct when interfacing with players, coaches and staff members on gameday …”.
Or, in other words, a bad look. No discipline.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2022
Many people commenting on the tweet seem skeptical about the explanation. The Twitter user “AboutToRatioU”, which has 1,711 likes, provided one of the most popular responses.
It’s too many details for it to sound real
— Atef (@AboutToRatioU October 25, 2022
The Buccaneers are currently at 3-4, with a Thursday night matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
