Two game officials meet after the game for a post-game interaction Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receiver Mike Evans The request for autographs was not made, the NFL stated in a statement Tuesday.
Follow the Buccaneers 21-3 loss Sunday through the Carolina Panthers, 1340 AM Fox Sports captured video Evans is called by Tripp Sutter and Jeff Lamberth, the side judge. Evans then wrote something on the card that they gave to him.
Game officials cannot approach players or coaches to sign autographs under the collective bargaining agreement between NFL and NFL Referees Association. This is due to the appearance of partiality. Officials may request autographs or memorabilia for charitable reasons, but they must first go through the league’s officiating department.
After speaking with the people involved, however the league discovered that Lamberth was not asking for an autograph. The league did not provide any details about why the call was made to Evans or what was said during that interaction.
An NFLRA request for comment was not immediately answered.
The NFL statement did not mention any discipline for either official. However, the league stated that Lamberth and Sutter were reminded of the importance to avoid the appearance of inpropriety when they interact with players, coaches, or club staff during gameday, including the pre- and postgame periods.
Lamberth is currently in his 21st NFL Season, while Sutter is in the fourth.
