Seahawks WR Smith-Njigba Heard on mic protesting holding call

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba was caught on a referee's microphone loudly protesting an offensive holding penalty that wiped away a fourth quarter touchdown during Thursday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The call, announced by referee Alex Kemp, erased a 7‑yard Zach Charbonnet run and forced the Seahawks to settle for a field goal instead of what would have been a go‑ahead touchdown late in the game.

The Prime Video broadcast captured Smith‑Njigba walking in front of Kemp as the official announced the holding penalty and shouting words that commentators and outlets reported as "That's some bulls" or "That's some bullshit." Kemp gave the receiver a long, stern look and reached for his flag but did not assess an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Kemp also attempted to turn off his microphone, but the comment was already being carried to viewers and the stadium.

The holding call changed the closing minutes of an otherwise tense matchup. Seattle converted the drive into a field goal to move ahead 20‑6, but Arizona rallied. The Cardinals tied the game 20‑20 with 28 seconds remaining on an Emari Demercado touchdown catch from Kyler...