Disciplinary Action
Umpire Roy Ellison fined game check for player dust-up, reinstated from administrative leave
No matter how the human resources paperwork states it, this was a de facto suspension for Ellison.
The NFL fined umpire Roy Ellison a game check ($9,300) and re-instated him for Week 15, after the league placed him on administrative leave to investigate a post-game confrontation with the Buffalo Bills Jerry Hughes in Week 13. Tom Pelissero, a reporter for NFL.com, tweeted the information.
Hughes sought out Ellison in the tunnel after the game with the Miami Dolphins. Hughes accused Ellison of calling him a “bitch” during the game. The NFL fined Hughes $53,482.
Scott Green, executive director of the NFL Referees Association, said in a statement e-mailed to Football Zebras, “Roy is back on the field where he should be and the union will consider filing a Grievance objecting to this fine.”
No matter how the human resources paperwork states it, this was a de facto suspension for Ellison. He went on administrative leave, missed one assignment and wasn’t paid for missing that assignment. The last suspension handed down to an official was a paid leave when side judge Rob Vernatchi didn’t detect an erroneously running clock in 2015.
This is the second time the NFL has disciplined Ellison due to a heated exchange with a player.
Ellison is a member of Shawn Hochuli’s crew and will be on the field to officiate the Giants-Titans game this weekend.
