NFL notes: Umpire suspended for cussing at Redskins player
An NFL game official was suspended Friday for one game without pay for making “a profane and derogatory statement” to Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, an incident that has led to a call for NFL players to stop using the N-word on the field and in the locker room.
The league announced Friday that umpire Roy Ellison will not work an NFL game this weekend.
Williams said he was called vulgar names – although not the N-word – by Ellison during a drive in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia. Williams said he has since heard from other players who have had “the same experience” with Ellison.
The NFL said its game officials “are expected to avoid personal confrontations with players and be respectful of players and coaches at all times.”
But John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, said his organization spoke to game officials who said that Ellison was responding after Williams directed the N-word at Ellison. Both Williams and Ellison are African-American.
Incognito meets again
Suspended Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito met with NFL special investigator Ted Wells for a second consecutive day to discuss the team’s bullying scandal.
WTVJ-TV in South Florida videotaped Incognito arriving at the Dolphins’ complex for the meeting accompanied by four other people, including the team’s security chief.
Around the league
Chiefs WR Kyle Williams has been placed on injured reserve by Kansas City with a torn knee ligament. … Carolina will be without three starters for Sunday’s game against Miami. DE Charles Johnson (knee), RG Chris Scott (knee) and LB Chase Blackburn (foot) are all out. … Denver WR Wes Welker was listed as probable for Denver’s game against New England.