NFL suspends ref in Trey McBride incident for 'unprofessional conduct'

The NFL announced on Oct. 5 that it had suspended two officials involved in incidents with players during games on Oct. 4 for “unprofessional conduct.”

Line judge Jeff Seeman was suspended two games for his conduct toward Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, while referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension for his conduct toward Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson.

The NFL announced that the suspensions were “for an instance of unprofessional conduct toward a player.”

In the McBride incident, the tight end approached Seeman, questioning why a flag was not called for defensive pass interference.

Video appeared to show Seeman then directing profanities toward McBride.

Ref’s expletives at Trey McBride bring heated social media reaction

Wait…

What did he say to Trey McBride??? pic.twitter.com/Igy1eLaxM0

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) October 4, 2026

In the Wilson incident, the linebacker attempted to help Hill off the ground after accidentally running into him, but the referee jumped up and angrily yelled at Wilson.

NFL referee Adrian Hill had a strong reaction when Vikings LB Eric Wilson offered to help him up after their inadvertent collision. (📺 FOX) pic.twitter.com/azDgsIZESY

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2026

Many on social media called for punishment for the officials after the incidents and for more accountability from officials in the league, including NFLPA president JC Tretter, who posted: “This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable. Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard.”

NFL official appears to yell obscenity at Cardinals’ Trey McBride

This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable. Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard. pic.twitter.com/vawHA8Jrlt

— JC Tretter (@JCTretter) October 4, 2026

Hill has been with the league since 2010 and has been a referee since the 2019 season.

Seeman has been a line judge since 2002.

USA TODAY Sports’ Chris Bumbaca contributed to this story.

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL suspends ref in Trey McBride incident for ‘unprofessional conduct’