The NFL is reviewing a situation involving NFL referees, Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter interacting with Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans in the tunnel after Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, according to NFL Network.
In now-viral footage initially shared on by Panthers writer Sheena Quick on Twitter, Lamberth and Sutter can be seen following Evans into the tunnel at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, where they appear to ask for his autograph.
Lamberth is seen yelling, “Mike, Mike,” before Sutter hands him a piece of paper and a writing utensil.
Mike Evans and referees Jeff Lamberth and Tripp Sutter interacting in the tunnel after the Buccaneers-Panthers game on Oct. 23, 2022. TwitterWhen both referees caught up with Evans in the footage, Sutter appears to adjust the paper in Evans’ hands before the receiver scribbled on it. The referees can be seen walking away as the video cuts out.
Buccaneers players and coaches can also be seen walking through the tunnel during the interaction.
It is unclear what else was said during the interaction, and whether Evans was actually signing an autograph.
Per the NFL and NFL Referees Association CBA agreement, game officials “shall not… ask players, coaches or any other team personnel for autographs or memorabilia.”
Lamberth, who serves as a side judge, is in his 21st season in the NFL. Sutter is in his fourth season as a line judge and down judge.
The NFL is reviewing an interaction between referees Tripp Sutter and Jeff Lamberth and Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans after the Buccaneers-Panthers game on Oct. 23, 2022. Getty/AP
Evans caught nine passes for 96 yards in Sunday’s 21-3 loss to the Panthers, but dropped an easy touchdown early in the game on a deep pass from Tom Brady.
The four-time Pro Bowler served a one-game suspension in Week 3 after he was ejected the week prior due to a fight with Saints cornerback Marcus Lattimore.
