After using abusive language toward Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, umpire Roy Ellison was suspended for one game without pay by the league for using derogatory and profane comments.
And though this apparently isn't the first time players have complained about Ellison's actions, the NFL Referees Association immediately protested and said it would file a grievance against the NFL on Ellison's behalf.
But the Washington Post reports that a grievance hearing has not been scheduled for this weekend, meaning Ellison will miss his Week 12 assignment.
Ellison still could ask for a grievance in the future in an effort to be paid his lost wages for missing the game.
Via the Washington Post, here was the statement of support for Ellison made by the Referees Association.
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.”
Mr. Arnold went on to say “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.
For his part, Williams had denied using a racial slur against Ellison.
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