Two NFL referees caught on camera asking Tampa Bay star Mike Evans for an autograph in the tunnel
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Two NFL umpires could find themselves in hot water after being caught on camera asking Tampa Bay Bucs star Mike Evans for an autograph in the tunnel – with the league ‘launching an assessment of possible rule-breaking behavior’
- NFL investigates behavior of two umpires after Bucs-Panthers game
- Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter stopped Bucs’ Mike Evans for his autograph
- Officials are not allowed to ask players for autographs according to the rules
- Fans on social media were divided over the incident after the loss of Tampa Bay
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The NFL is reportedly investigating the conduct of two umpires who requested the autograph of Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans after the Buccaneers game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the league launched a rundown of events shortly after the two ran to Evans with a pen and piece of paper for him to sign.
The footage was shot inside the tunnels of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with the two officials identified as Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter.
Under the NFL-NFLRA collective bargaining agreement, officials are prohibited from “asking players, coaches, or other team personnel for autographs or memorabilia.”
It is not clear whether there are rules that determine the punishment for officials seeking signatures. More specifically, it is not clear whether there will be a penalty for the two umpires involved in this incident.
This could also be a case where the umpires didn’t ask for autographs, but Evans – who is a captain – may have signed an official scoresheet or game notes, which he should do.
DailyMail.com has reached out to an NFL spokesperson for comment, but has not received a response.
Fans on social media had varying reactions to the incident – some pointing to the possibility of game notes, while others called for punishment.