Watch: Cardinals tackle ejected after hitting referee during altercation
Despite looking unintentional to those watching at home, Arizona Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries was ejected in the second quarter of Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks after accidentally hitting a referee in the head during a confrontation with linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Humphries was called for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty and was subsequently ejected. Because he struck an official, Humphries could also be subject to supplemental discipline from the NFL.
The hit happened after the Seahawks intercepted Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs – on a play that was negated by Boye Mafe's roughing the passer penalty – and Brooks shoved the 6-foot-5, 285-pound Humphries by the facemask after the whistle.
As Humphries pushed Brooks’ hand away from his face, down judge Brian Sakowski was inadvertently clocked on top of his head as he tried to break up the scuffle. Humphries was replaced by 11-year veteran Kelvin Beachum.
Humphries’ absence didn’t affect the Cardinals much on the drive, as Dobbs reeled off a 25-yard touchdown run on the next play, giving Arizona a 10-7 lead at the time.
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