Source: NFL to review refs seeking Mike Evans' autograph.....(Video)

[Greenbacks]

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.

 

[HacheMan]

I saw that

Something doesn't seem right about it

Sets up favoritism

 

[Willie99]

Tampa Bay was destroyed, so it didn't help them Sunday

Some future game? I guess they need to appear independent in both fact and appearance. So I'm sure they broke some rules, but I think this is more about form over substance

And I'm a substance over form kinda guy

 

[Greenbacks]

NFL: Refs weren't seeking Buccaneers WR Mike Evans' autograph.​

A postgame interaction between two game officials and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans did not involve a request for an autograph, the NFL said in a statement Tuesday.
Following the Buccaneers' 21-3 loss Sunday to the Carolina Panthers, 1340 AM Fox Sports captured video of side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter calling Evans' name. Evans then wrote something on a card they handed him.
The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association prohibits game officials from approaching players and coaches for autographs, citing the appearance of partiality. Officials can seek autographs and memorabilia for charitable purposes, but those requests must go through the league's officiating department.
Following conversations with the individuals involved, however, the league determined that Lamberth and Sutter weren't asking for an autograph. The league did not specify why they called out to Evans nor what was said during the interaction.
A request for comment from the NFLRA was not immediately returned.
The NFL statement made no mention of discipline for either official, but the league did add: "Both Lamberth and Sutter have been reminded of the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety when interacting with players, coaches, and club staff on gameday -- including during the pregame and postgame time periods."
Lamberth is in his 21st NFL season, and Sutter is in his fourth.

 

[HacheMan]

I'm sure this is been going on forever

Someone just happened to catch it on video this time

 

[MAGAking1]

The whole thing is stupid and manufactured drama.. First of all who give a shit about an autograph.

But if I was a ref trying to get one I sure AF wouldnt have him sign on a scratch piece of paper......