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
After Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, a reporter caught video of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans having an interaction with members of the officiating crew, and it looked like Evans might have been signing autographs for them.
The NFL investigated the situation, and found a different explanation.
Evans and one of the officials are both Texas A&M alumni, and were exchanging contact info regarding potential golf lessons for Evans, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The league did issue a statement reminding the officials to make sure they avoid even the appearance of any improper interactions with players, but it looks like this one ended up being pretty innocuous.