NFL referee Adrian Hill, line judge Jeff Seeman suspended over conduct during Minnesota Vikings-Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals-New York Giants football games

Adrian Hill and Jeff Seeman were suspended by NFL on Monday. While Hill is NFL referee, Jeff Seeman is a line judge. Line judge Jeff Seeman was given a two-game suspension after using expletives in an exchange with Arizona Cardinals players Trey McBride during Arizona's 36-24 defeat to the New York Giants on Sunday. Separately, the NFL handed a one-game suspension to referee Adrian Hill for his actions during Sunday's game between the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Seeman

Jeff Seeman was caught on camera cursing at McBride during the Cardinals’ loss at the New York Giants on Sunday. NFL on Monday confirmed it had suspended the official.


The interaction took place with just under five minutes left after officials did not call a pass interference or illegal contact penalty on New York’s Dru Phillips, who made contact with McBride before the ball arrived from Jacoby Brissett on a third-and-2 play.

Arizona punted and the Giants went on to win 36-24 after Deonte Banks intercepted Brissett’s pass and ran it back for a pick-6 as time expired.

Seeman's conduct had been criticized by NFL Players Association chief JC Tretter, who on Sunday called for action. "This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable," Tretter said in a social media post above a video of the incident. "Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard," he said.

The NFL said Seeman had been sanctioned for "unprofessional conduct toward a player."

Adrian Hill

Referee Adrian Hill was also suspended one game for unprofessional conduct in the Miami-Minnesota game. Adrian Hill appeared to react angrily after being inadvertently knocked to the ground by Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, who bumped into the official following a collision with Miami running back Ollie Gordon. Hill yelled at Eric Wilson and pointed for him to get away after the Vikings linebacker tried to help him to his feet after a collision knocked him over.

Wilson, who had subsequently attempted to help the official to his feet, laughed off the incident following the game. "That was funny, honestly. I ended up apologizing to him and explained the situation. He was cool about it," Wilson said of his exchange with Hill.

The league's vice president of officiating, Ramon George, issued the suspensions. The NFL Referees Association did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. This isn’t the first time an official has been punished for interactions with a player on the field.

Umpire Roy Ellison was punished twice for his behavior. In 2018, he was fined $9,300 and placed on administrative leave for one game after he was accused of calling Buffalo defensive end Jerry Hughes by a derogatory term.

Ellison was also suspended for one game in 2013 for making “a profane and derogatory statement” to Washington left tackle Trent Williams.