One of the perks of leading an NFL officiating crew is getting some TV time. The referee frequently appears on camera throughout a game when announcing a penalty.
Referee Alex Kemp is working Week 2’s Seahawks-Lions matchup and called Seattle quarterback Geno Smith for an intentional grounding violation early in the fourth quarter. Such a penalty is always costly but with the Seahawks driving toward a go-ahead touchdown, Smith took issue with the call.
Unfortunately, he argued with Kemp while the referee was announcing the call to the Ford Field crowd and Fox TV audience. And Kemp did not like being interrupted.
“I’m talking to America here. Excuse me,” Kemp said to Smith as he tried to complete his announcement. And everyone watching loved it.
- NFL Week 2: Everything We Learned From Every Game
“I’m talking to America here, excuse me.”
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 17, 2023
The ref wasn’t trying to let Geno Smith interrupt him 😂 pic.twitter.com/mFgyzPxNR3
“That is the best line I’ve ever heard out of an official,” Fox analyst Greg Olsen said on the telecast.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wasn’t amused but likely because of the 15-yard penalty and loss of down, not Kemp’s admonition. Seattle went on to score a touchdown to take a 24–21 lead over the Lions.
