Shocking suspensions, f-bombs and a flurry of flags. What's going on with NFL officiating and what's next?

Last week, tension between NFL officials and players reached a high point. During the New England Patriots-Buffalo Bills game, head coach Mike Vrabel was suspended for telling an official that a defensive holding call was "f***ing terrible." Just two days later, referee Jeff Seeman and referee Adrian Hill received suspensions for using profanity at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, respectively.

These incidents have raised questions about the acceptable conduct of officials toward players and coaches.

Referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension after appearing to motion demonstratively and emotionally at Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson after a tangle with Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon. Line judge Jeff Seeman was suspended for a full eight seasons following his comments to Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. The NFL has issued these suspensions due to the actions of the officials falling short of a professional standard.

League sources believe that the suspensions are a result of frustration between players and coaches, and that officials should not engage in altercations. However, the league also acknowledges that each official is graded on their behavioral considerations, which influence playoff assignments. The union has challenged the severity of the suspensions and will meet with the NFL Officiating Department to discuss disciplinary standards.