The league cited unprofessional conduct toward Eric Wilson. A separate official, Jeff Seeman, received a two-game suspension after another incident.
The NFL suspended referee Adrian Hill for one game for “unprofessional conduct” toward Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson. The decision followed a league review of a play in Minnesota’s 15-10 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 4.
Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II shoved Wilson into Hill, causing the referee to fall. Wilson extended his arms to help Hill up, but the official stood on his own and began shouting at the linebacker. Wilson pointed toward Gordon, saying the Dolphins player had initiated the contact. A second official stepped in to separate them.
The league also reviewed a separate exchange between official Jeff Seeman and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. McBride appealed for a pass-interference penalty, and the official appeared to respond with profanity. Seeman received a two-game suspension.
NFL Players Association president JC Tretter called such conduct by an official unacceptable and said referees should be held to the same standards as players.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel also had a heated exchange with an official during Week 4 over a pass-interference ruling. Reports said Vrabel called the decision “a f---ing terrible call,” drawing an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty. He later described the official as “a little sensitive.”