NFL Official Involved in Heated Postgame Incident with Player Placed on Administrative Leave
A referee who got into a confrontation with Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes on Sunday has been placed on administrative leave.
The incident was captured on video in a tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami after the Bills lost to Miami 21-17.
WARNING: Video includes language that some might find offensive.
Jerry Hughes runs off field and straight to officials, getting in the face of one in particular. Clearly something said that set Hughes off. #Bills pic.twitter.com/4uuqHL9mLM
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 2, 2018
The video shows Hughes charging toward a group of officials and accusing umpire Roy Ellison of calling him a derogatory name. The 6-foot-2, 254-pound lineman had to be restrained by others.
Hughes can be heard saying to Ellison, “You called me a b—-. I’ll catch you. I’ll catch you. Trust me, I’ll catch you. Guaranteed.”
As he walked away he said, “Gonna knock his a– out when I see him on the streets.”
Ellison is on administrative leave while the incident is under review.
He was suspended once before for a similar situation, The Buffalo News reported Tuesday.
In 2013, Ellison was suspended for “making a profane and derogatory statement” toward Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, the report said.
The official Jerry Hughes apparently was yelling at yesterday after the game was suspended for using “profane” language directed towards a player in 2013.
Not sure it’ll excuse Hughes, but league has to take this history into account.#BillsMafia https://t.co/NbFxokNQjN— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) December 3, 2018
Hughes was asked about the confrontation after the game and he sidestepped answering any questions as to what caused the outburst.
Here’s the conversation with Jerry Hughes afterwards about confrontation.
When asked specifically about it Hughes repeatedly says “I’d love to see the video.” #Bills pic.twitter.com/2IdNoKzy2W
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 2, 2018
Hughes had no comment on the incident other than saying, “I’d love to see the video.”
He will not be suspended for his part in the confrontation, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Bills DE Jerry Hughes will not be suspended for confronting umpire Roy Ellison in the tunnel after Sunday’s game, a source told @AdamSchefter. Ellison was placed on administrative leave Tuesday as the NFL continued to review the matter.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 4, 2018
The NFL officials union released a statement in support of Ellison.
NFL Referees Association says Bills DE Jerry Hughes “has a well-documented history of abusive language and inappropriate actions towards our officials” in releasing statement in support of Roy Ellison: pic.twitter.com/Lg9dBrgd2p
— Sal Capaccio ? (@SalSports) December 5, 2018
“We fully expect the NFL’s review to clear Roy Ellison,” the statement read. “Video from last week’s game shows he was verbally threatened by a player who has a well-documented history of abusive language and inappropriate actions towards our officials. While we are disappointed that the NFL has yet to address that aspect of the incident, we look forward to working with the League during its review and will ensure that Roy’s rights are protected during this process.”
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
