In the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, an unusual situation took place involving star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who collided with a referee during the game. A few days later, the NFL front office made a final decision on the matter.
The NFL is known for imposing fines on actions that involve excessive force or encouragement of violence. However, in this case, Lamb was part of a confusing situation as he stepped out of bounds and interfered with a referee, an incident that typically results in a fine.
Lamb was not playing and was not wearing football gear when he stepped into the white sideline area reserved for referees during the game. At that moment, he was hit from behind by side judge Anthony Jeffries, who was following the play.
What did the NFL decide regarding Lamb’s action?
Although the NFL office considered that Lamb obstructed the referee, the Cowboys receiver will not be fined by the league. At the time, a penalty for the incident pushed Dallas back 15 yards in the game, but that was the extent of it.
CeeDee Lamb speaks onstage at the Catching Fire panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.
The league did not provide reasons to justify the decision not to fine Lamb. In the same game, a similar situation occurred when Rams defensive back Shaun Jolly was penalized 51 yards for pass interference against Jonathan Mingo.
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What did the Cowboys’ head coach say about the matter?
Brian Schottenheimer chose not to include starters in the preseason game against the Rams, but Lamb still stepped onto the sideline and interfered with the official. Regarding the play, the Cowboys head coach stated that his wide receiver “knows better.”
