Earlier today, umpire Roy Ellison was suspended one game after an incident with offensive lineman Trent Williams. Williams alleged that Ellison called him “garbage-ass, disrespectful mother f—er” during the Redskins-Eagles game. Ellison denies the allegation and says that it was Williams who used derogatory language towards, even calling him the n-word. He denies the allegations and admits he “laughs” at the idea.
The NFL did not waste time and suspended Ellison for refereeing any games this weekend. The NFL Referee’s Association has appealed the suspension, and released this statement,
The National Football League Referees Association (NFLRA) denounced the NFL’s one game suspension of umpire Roy Ellison as a rush to judgment without hearing Ellison’s side of the story. Michael Arnold, NFLRA Legal Counsel, said “Roy Ellison is an accomplished 11 year veteran who is highly respected. The NFL imposed its judgment upon him without consideration of all the facts. The decision was arbitrary and unjustified and will be challenged with an immediate grievance. The NFL has chosen to ignore the racial slur directed by Trent Williams at Roy Ellison. Williams said to Ellison “F___ you N-word”, an inflammatory personal attack on Ellison. NFLRA Executive Director Jim Quirk stated “The NFL’s decision to suspend Mr. Ellison creates a double standard for what is acceptable on field conduct. The League insists that Officials are held to a “high standard” but others involved in the game are held to no standard. Apparently the NFL accepts and condones a culture where players, coaches and teams can use racial slurs and profanity toward each other and at Officials. Music played in locker rooms and in the stadiums before games include racial slurs (including the “N” word) and references to sexual violence with impunity. These types of cheap slurs and racial banter on the field often lead to angry and emotional responses which can result in fighting and injury. This is completely contrary to the atmosphere of sportsmanship and respect the League says should exist in the game.” The NFLRA joins others in calling for an immediate end to a culture which tolerates the use of racially or sexually charged language by players, coaches, field personnel or in stadium audio/video display.
It is unlikely that Ellison will be on the field for any games this weekend regardless if the suspension is overturned or not. He is eligible to return for Week 13 games.
