Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Reason official approached Mike Evans after game revealed

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 10/25/22

More details are coming out on the bizarre scene Sunday following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' loss to the Carolina Panthers that saw a game official approaching star wideout Mike Evans for what was initially thought to be an autograph.

The NFL reviewed the incident and according to reports on Tuesday morning, neither of the two officials -- Jeff Lamberth nor Tripp Sutter -- were seeking Evans' autograph.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, here's what really happened.

Full story: #Bucs WR Mike Evans and side judge Jeff Lamberth both went to Texas A&M, and Lamberth was getting Evans’ phone number to pass it along to a golf pro to give Evans lessons, per sources. Lamberth didn’t have paper, so he borrowed it from another official.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2022

In his ninth season, Evans has made four Pro Bowls and leads all Bucs players this year in targets (48), receiving yards (454), and is tied in receiving touchdowns with three. He posted nine receptions for 96 yards in the team's Week 7 loss.

Lamberth is in his 20th season as an NFL official, while Sutter is in his fourth season in the league.

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