What Happens If an NFL Player Hits a Referee?

We all know that NFL players are some of the biggest, strongest athletes in the world. But what happens if one of them loses their cool and takes a swing at a referee? Let’s find out.

Introduction

In the National Football League, players are penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct if they commit certain acts, including but not limited to: taunting, spitting, detrimental conduct towards game officials, and using abusive language.One of the more serious infractions that a player can commit is hitting a referee. This is considered assault and battery, which are both punishable by law.

If an NFL player hits a referee, he will be immediately ejected from the game and assessed a personal foul. Depending on the severity of the contact, he may also be subject to a fine and/or suspension from the league. If the contact is determined to be especially severe, the player could even be facing criminal charges.

The NFL’s Rule Book

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct is any behavior that is considered unsportsmanlike or unprofessional by the referee. This can include taunting, fighting, baiting an opponent, or anything else that the referee deems to be unsportsmanlike. If a player commits unsportsmanlike conduct, they will be given a warning and may be ejected from the game if they commit another infraction.

Hitting a Game Official

Referees are considered game officials, so they’re protected by a personal foul rule that states it’s a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down if a player hits him overly hard.

“Personal contact that occurs when a defender clearly should know that an opponent is a game official” is also penalized 15 yards, according to the NFL rule book.

What exactly qualifies as “overly hard” or “clearly should know” is up for interpretation, which is why the league has a review process for these kinds of plays. If the NFL believes a player intentionally tried to harm a referee, he can be suspended or even ejected from the game.

Case Study: Tom Cable

In 2006, then-Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable was involved in an altercation with an official. After the game, Cable said that he had grabbed the official’s arm to keep him from running onto the field to break up a fight between players.

Cable was fined $20,000 by the NFL for his actions. He was also placed on probation by the league and ordered to take anger management classes.

The Aftermath of Hitting a Referee

In 2012, then-Houston Texans’ wide receiver Andre Johnson got into a fight with Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans. As the two scuffled on the ground, Johnson swung his helmet at Finnegan’s face. He was ejected and fined $25,000.

What if, instead of a player, Johnson had hit a referee?

It’s unlikely that such an incident would occur, given that players know they would be immediately ejected and face severe discipline if they laid their hands on a game official. However, if it did happen, the player would likely be facing even more severe consequences than a simple ejection and fine.

According to section 46 of the NFL Rulebook, any player or coach who hits a game official “with intent to injure, or who uses abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures” will be automatically ejected and suspended for at least one game. If the incident occurs in the final two minutes of either half or in overtime, the player will be suspended for at least two games.

The rulebook also states that any player or coach who “massages, twists or appreciation” an official’s neck is subject to automatic ejection and suspension for at least one game. It’s worth noting that this rule was put in place following an incident in which then-Oakland Raiders defensive end John Matuszak grabbed an official by the neck and squeezed during a 1984 game.

In addition to suspensions handed down by the league, players who hit referees could also face criminal charges. In 2011, then-Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Breno Giacomini was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault after he punched a referee during a youth football game. Giacomini pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 hours of community service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if an NFL player hits a referee, he will likely be ejected from the game and could face further discipline from the league.