Though not guilty, why were two NFL officials investigated for speaking with Bucs’ Mike Evans?
If nothing else, it’s good to see that the league takes the matter of impropriety between officials and players very seriously.
After an official league investigation, it would appear that two referees are off the hook and have not been found guilty of being the worst ‘groupies’ in recent memory.
NFL finds two refs didn’t ask Bucs’ Mike Evans for autograph
As strange as it sounds, the NFL concluded its investigation into two league officials this week, after a controversial video surfaced in which they could apparently be seen doing something that they shouldn’t. Indeed, footage appeared to show side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter approaching Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans for an autograph, following the Bucs’ 21-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Luckily for both, reports on Tuesday confirmed that the NFL’s probe found that the officials in question did not in fact ask Evans for an autograph.
“After speaking with the individuals involved, we have confirmed that the postgame interaction between [side judge] Jeff Lamberth, [line judge] Tripp Sutter, and Mike Evans did not involve a request by the game officials for an autograph,” the league’s statement read. “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.”
What did the officials speak about with Mike Evans?
According to the reports, the conversation between the trio actually had nothing to do with football, but instead was related to golf lessons. Believe it or not, reports indicate that Evans and Lamberth, who both of whom attended Texas A&M, were discussing golf lessons for the Bucs WR. To that end, Lamberth was taking Evans’ number so that he could pass it along to a golf professional who in turn could assist with said lessons. You can see the video below for yourself:
If you’re wondering why the video caused such a stir, you should remember that according to the NFL-NFLRA CBA, says game officials “shall not ... ask players, coaches or any other team personnel for autographs or memorabilia.” Incidentally, you can observe other Buccaneers players and assistants taking note of the scenario as they passed by. Needless controversy aside, the Bucs are now sitting on a 3-4 record following this most recent loss. Where Evans is concerned, the wideout had nine receptions for 96 yards, but dropped the ball on what would have been a certain touchdown in the first quarter.