What looked like quite the scandal in the NFL turned out to be a whole lot of nothing this week as a pair of referees who appeared to be seeking autographs from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans were actually doing something far more boring.
According to league insider Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, a league investigation revealed that referees Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter were actually just helping Evans get some golf lessons with a golf pro.
The NFL said in its statement that both Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter “have been reminded of the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety when interacting with players, coaches, and club staff on gameday…”
In other words: Bad look. No discipline.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2022
“Full story: #Bucs WR Mike Evans and side judge Jeff Lamberth both went to Texas A&M, and Lamberth was getting Evans’ phone number to pass it along to a golf pro to give Evans lessons, per sources. Lamberth didn’t have paper, so he borrowed it from another official,” Pelissero said on Twitter.
It’s certainly a unique situation leading to quite a suspiscious scene in the tunnel after the game, but the explanation makes sense. And the NFL world had plenty to say about it.
People are yelling conspiracy but I am honestly sold on this, 100%. Extremely believable story. Not even being ironic https://t.co/bQSgcY7eRb
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) October 25, 2022
What had happened was … https://t.co/KdOA5HHIWc
— David Hinojosa (@hinojosa_david) October 25, 2022
Golf brings people together. Twitter wanted everyone fired/arrested. Meanwhile these dudes just want shoot a lower score & enjoy life over some cocktails #shocked https://t.co/oIfpL4oXN4
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) October 25, 2022
I'm howling at this explanation 😂😂 https://t.co/nbdjD1uBGN
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) October 25, 2022
I find this explanation highly plausible. It won't get the attention or credulity of the original twitter copy https://t.co/vOspIYgNCh
— Kevin Cole (@KevinCole___) October 25, 2022
The number of people in the comments who don't believe that this is a more plausible explanation than a professional official asking a player for his autograph in front of a bunch of people is super on brand for this website…and our times.
Always has to be the worst. https://t.co/iCTikfqVJt— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) October 25, 2022
While there was no wrongdoing and there will be no punishment, the NFL said that “Both Lamberth and Sutter have been reminded of the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety when interacting with players, coaches, and club staff on gameday.”
