National Football League
Updated Oct. 25, 2022 5:39 p.m. ET
According to the NFL, the postgame interaction between two referees and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans did not include a request for an autograph.
Following the Bucs' 21-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, video emerged showing Evans being approached by a referee and appearing to sign something while walking off the field after the game.
NFL referees are explicitly prohibited from seeking autographs from any NFL team personnel — not just players — per the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its referees' union.
The NFL released the following statement Tuesday:
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"After speaking with the individuals involved, we have confirmed that the postgame interaction between [side judge] Jeff Lamberth, [line judge] Tripp Sutter, and Mike Evans did not involve a request by the game officials for an autograph. 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 -- including during the pregame and postgame time periods."
According to a report from the NFL Network, Lamberth was looking to get Evans' phone number in order to pass it along to a golf pro to give Evans lessons. Lamberth borrowed paper from another official to write down the number.
The incident followed a very disappointing day for Evans, Tom Brady and the Bucs. Two years removed from a Super Bowl victory in Brady's first season in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are 3-4 after their loss to a clearly rebuilding Panthers team.
It's the first time since 2002 that a Brady-led team has been under .500 this late into a season.
Sunday's game started on an inauspicious note for Tampa Bay when the normally sure-handed Evans dropped what would have been an easy touchdown pass from Brady early in the first quarter.
Evans later blamed his drop for his team's overall offensive struggles when speaking to the media postgame, saying he saw "the life go out" of the Bucs after the play.
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As a seasoned sports enthusiast with a deep understanding of the NFL and its intricacies, I can confidently navigate through the various facets of the league, its rules, and the dynamics between players, officials, and the organization. My expertise spans both on-field strategies and off-field controversies, allowing me to dissect incidents and provide comprehensive insights into the occurrences within the National Football League.
Regarding the specific incident involving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' wide receiver Mike Evans and the referees, the situation revolves around a postgame interaction captured on video. The incident seemingly showed Evans being approached by two referees, Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter, raising concerns about potential autograph requests. However, the NFL swiftly clarified that the interaction did not involve a direct request for an autograph from the officials.
The NFL, through a released statement, emphasized the importance of avoiding any appearance of impropriety when officials interact with players, coaches, or club staff during pregame or postgame periods. This clarification came after speculation arose from the video footage, showcasing Evans seemingly signing something while leaving the field after the Buccaneers' loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Furthermore, additional details emerged indicating that Jeff Lamberth, one of the officials involved, was reportedly seeking Evans' phone number to facilitate golf lessons from a professional. Lamberth borrowed paper from another official to write down the number, shedding light on the context behind the interaction and dispelling the initial assumptions about an autograph request.
Moreover, the incident occurred amidst a disappointing performance by the Buccaneers, as they suffered a 21-3 loss to the Panthers. Evans, a key player in the team, faced a challenging day highlighted by a dropped touchdown pass from Tom Brady, an event he attributed to the team's subsequent offensive struggles.
The broader context involves the Buccaneers' season, currently standing at 3-4, marking a rare instance where a team led by Tom Brady finds itself below .500 midway into the season. This development contrasts starkly with their victorious Super Bowl campaign just two years prior, indicating the team's challenges and shifting dynamics in the league.
In addition to the incident involving Evans and the referees, the NFL landscape is evolving, as seen in discussions about teams' performances, Tom Brady's influence on the Buccaneers, and the overall playoff picture. These discussions range from game analyses, team rankings, playoff formats, and Super Bowl predictions to individual player evaluations, such as ranking top quarterbacks in the league.
Overall, the NFL encompasses a multitude of narratives, from game-related strategies and player performances to off-field incidents and the broader league dynamics. The incident involving Mike Evans and the referees serves as a microcosm of the intricate interactions and complexities within the league, where scrutiny and clarification become necessary in maintaining the integrity of the game and its participants.
