NFL Investigation Shows Buccaneers’ Mike Evans Was Not Asked For An Autograph By The Referees
After a concerning video appeared to show side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter approaching Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans for an autograph during the Bucs’ 21-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the NFL launched an investigation into the two officials. The NFL said in a statement on Tuesday that the review found that the officials did not ask Evans for his autograph.
NFL Investigation Held Referees Did Not Ask For An Autograph From Mike Evans
Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans was followed down the tunnel by side judge Lamberth and line judge Sutter after the Panthers’ 21-3 victory against the Buccaneers in Week 7. They were shown in a video approaching Evans and ostensibly asking for what many mistook for an autograph—a signature.
And, I know it happens. It doesn't make it right. The venerable Jerry Bergman Sr. sought an autograph from Brett Favre before a game for his grandchild in his final season. He was rightfully called out and disciplined for it. Also, it's unfair to put players in such a position.
— Fᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ Zᴇʙʀᴀs🇺🇦 (@footballzebras) October 24, 2022
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the league opened an inquiry after the video went viral on social media on Monday. The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have a collective bargaining agreement that prohibits officials from “asking players, coaches, or any other team staff for autographs or memorabilia.”
Full story: #Bucs WR Mike Evans and side judge Jeff Lamberth both went to Texas A&M, and Lamberth was getting Evans’ phone number to pass it along to a golf pro to give Evans lessons, per sources. Lamberth didn’t have paper, so he borrowed it from another official.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2022
Why the NFL has a system in place for circumstances like this is understandable. The NFL must make sure that when officials are on the field, they remain impartial toward both teams and players. The NFL will try to prevent the public from believing that specific referees favour certain players, even if it has no effect on how the game is officiated.
The NFL says two referees did not ask Mike Evans for an autograph after the Buccaneers game on Sunday. https://t.co/TefNlhTS2D
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 25, 2022
The league said in a statement: “We have confirmed that there was no request for a signature from the game officials during the postgame conversation between [side judge] Jeff Lamberth, [line judge] Tripp Sutter, and Mike Evans. “Lambert and Sutter have been reminded of the significance of avoiding even the perception of improper behaviour when engaging with players, coaches, and club staff on gameday — especially during the pregame and postgame time periods,” the statement reads.
With the loss to the Panthers, the Buccaneers’ record dropped to 3-4 for the year. Evans led the Bucs in receptions with nine for 96 yards, but in the first quarter, he fumbled away a likely touchdown.
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