NFL official on leave after being accused of calling player vulgar name
"You called me a b****? I'll catch you."
The NFL has placed official Roy Ellison on administrative leave while it investigates an accusation that he called Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes a vulgar name during Buffalo’s game at Miami on Sunday.
The league confirmed Ellison’s status and the investigation Tuesday but provided no other details.
Hughes confronted Ellison in the tunnel near the locker room following Buffalo’s 21-17 loss, and video of the incident shows him accusing the umpire of using a derogatory term. Hughes waved his index finger and shouted “I’ll catch you. Trust me. I’ll catch you, guaranteed,” before being pulled away by team officials.
Jerry Hughes runs off field and straight to officials, getting in the face of one in particular. Clearly something said that set Hughes off. #Bills pic.twitter.com/4uuqHL9mLM
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 2, 2018
Hughes afterward declined to elaborate.
"I would love to see the video"
Jerry Hughes' comments in the locker room regarding him confronting an official in the tunnel after the game.#GoBills @News_8 #Bills pic.twitter.com/A9nk5VRb4i
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) December 2, 2018
Ellison was suspended in 2013 for making a derogatory statement to Washington tackle Trent Williams during a game.
Bills coach Sean McDermott on Monday said he was leaving the matter in the league’s hands after saying he’s spoken to both the NFL and Hughes.
___
AP Sports Writer Steven Wine in Miami contributed to this report.
