The NFL took its time in suspending star running back Kareem Hunt for assaulting a woman, but it wasted no time in disciplining an official for a verbal altercation with a player.
Official Roy Ellison allegedly called Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes a “b-tch” on the field on Sunday.
Afterward, Hughes confronted Ellison in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms.
In a video of the altercation, he appeared to say: “You called me a b-tch! I’ll catch you! Trust me, I’ll catch you! Guarantee it! Gonna knock his -ss out when I see him on the streets.”
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
Ellison has been placed on administrative leave pending a review by the league.
He had a prior conflict with a player, Washington’s Trent Williams, in 2013 and was suspended for “a profane and derogatory statement” directed toward the Redskin.
Scott Green, Executive Director of the NFL Referees’ Association, issued a statement Wednesday morning.
“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.”
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