Refs asking Mike Evans for Autograph

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

Najee Harris gotta be the least explosive RB I’ve ever seen. Does this guy ever have a carry over 4 yards ?

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Could be the ref never had the autograph of someone who dropped such as wide open pass??

[bobobonators]

Some of you need to take a Xanax. 

[3rdand12]

10 minutes ago, bobobonators said:

Some of you need to take a Xanax. 

do you have any to spare ?

 

Not sure this is appropriate behavior for and Official. because where do you draw the line ?
I suggest that no Gifts that could possibly influence or sway judgment , or be Perceived as swaying of influencing judgement should be allowed.

That being said

 Probably honest mistake here. Hand slap move on

[VaMilBill]

3 hours ago, RochesterLifer said:

The ref could have children, nephews or nieces who are a fan. I don’t have a problem with this. To make this an issue is silly.

Doesn’t matter IMO. He’s supposed to be a professional ref and never display any act that can be perceived as bias.
 

 He’s essentially using his position for self-gain whether the autograph is for him or a friend/family member. He should know better. 

[Orlando Buffalo]

My issue is simply the image of this- the NFL needs to create a system where the officials can get this kind of thing without having direct interaction. What is Evans supposed to say? If he says no then the next game with this crew is bad.

[Bferra13]

Not sure how some people can defend this... First off how pathetic is it that a man with a full head of white hair wants another man's signature on a piece of paper? And there wasn't enough time to say its for little Eddie on that sig. Can't happen with an official. You need that autograph that bad then get it in March when he's at the Saratoga Casino signing session or whatever. 

[ExiledInIllinois]

3 hours ago, RochesterLifer said:

The ref could have children, nephews or nieces who are a fan. I don’t have a problem with this. To make this an issue is silly.

Disagree.   Just like raffles, etc... The whole family is disqualified. 

 

Did anybody see the Mike Evans drop?  How that wasn't offensive pass interference is beyond me!

 

The announcers are like: "The defender got turned around and slipped and fell." LMFAO... Yeah,  right.

 

Instant karma when he dropped it!

 

[The Dean]

He just forgot to sign his scorecard. Pretty obvious.  😜

 

Honestly I don't think it's a big deal. But you'd think he would wait until later to get it in a more private place. It is a bad look, IMO.

[Just Jack]

36 minutes ago, The Dean said:

He just forgot to sign his scorecard. Pretty obvious.  😜

 

That was my thought also, like golf, they need a captain to sign the scorecard at the end of the game. 

[Bferra13]

36 minutes ago, The Dean said:

He just forgot to sign his scorecard. Pretty obvious.  😜

 

Honestly I don't think it's a big deal. But you'd think he would wait until later to get it in a more private place. It is a bad look, IMO.

Pretty much. I live in the corporate world and any kind of "gifts" as a perk from the job is a fireable offense. And I'm not out here calling games. It's not a huge deal, but enough of one that should get him a warning.

[stevewin]

Could be his Uncle Charlie

[ExiledInIllinois]

Same in the Fed gov't.  Ethics training has to be taken yearly.

 

But that's all being thrown out the window by the higher ups the last bunch of years. 

 

The rise of nepotism, meritocracy, etc... Is really causing the downfall.  The NFL, legalized gambling, etc... Is, IMO, causing problems with the perception of impropriety.  Negative perception is very important and causes a lot of damage. 

 

The one's saying this is no big deal must not think value optics.

[MJS]

Pretty bad look. Ultimately, I don't think it is a huge deal, but refs are supposed to be PROFFESIONALLY NEUTRAL. The key to success is to appear to be unbiased. Asking for an autograph from a player is not neutral or unbiased. It is the opposite.

 

Another problem with it is they are enforcers of the rules and authority figures on the field. They are supposed to be above the players. An act like this puts you below the players.

[Bubba Gump]

The ref shoulda just waited for him in the parking lot when there is no media around. Was stupid to do it in the tunnel while there are people and cameras everywhere. I guess officials really are that dumb. 

[NickelCity]

Refs should not be allowed to solicit autographs. I'm surprised this isn't codified already. Talk about the basics.

[BLeonard]

Dunno why it always involves Tampa Bay, but it's happened before:

 

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by BLeonard

[LeGOATski]

8 hours ago, BLeonard said:

Dunno why it always involves Tampa Bay, but it's happened before:

 

 

Story aside, I like how candid the players are with those answers. Favre, Lynch, Nickerson did not sound like they were walking on egg shells at all. Usually, at least these days, players are careful not to reveal anything.

 

Has anyone asked Mike Evans about the autograph?

[Ramza86]

16 hours ago, RochesterLifer said:

The ref could have children, nephews or nieces who are a fan. I don’t have a problem with this. To make this an issue is silly.

 

It shouldnt be silly....but lets say Mike Evans told those two to eff off. You think that wont be in the back of their minds when they are calling a game with him in it and there is a close call?

 

 

[DrDawkinstein]

17 hours ago, Bferra13 said:

It's not a good look and these guys get paid way too much to be doing this. Shouldn't happen. 

 

Agreed that it's not a great look, but I dont see it as a big deal.

 

Also, this isnt even their main, full-time job. Refs make decent money, but it is a secondary, part-time job for all of them. It's ridiculous that the NFL doesnt make it a full-time, primary job and get these guys in camps and workshops more.