Bruce Arians warned by NFL over role in Mike Evans-Marshon Lattimore brawl

Bruce Arians warned by NFL over role in Mike Evans-Marshon Lattimore brawl

Bruce Arians has been put on notice.

The former Buccaneers head coach, who stepped away from the top job to move into the front office this offseason, has been warned by the NFL over his behavior on the sidelines in Tampa Bay’s Week 2 win over the Saints, according to ESPN.

Arians, who was standing on the sidelines instead of seated in an upstairs booth, became visibly furious after an incident in the third quarter where Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore got tangled up with Bucs receiver Mike Evans, but was not called for pass interference.



Bruce Arians on the Bucs' sidelineBruce Arians on the Bucs’ sidelineUSA TODAY Sports

Bucs quarterback Tom Brady joined the fray, before Evans tackled Lattimore and caused a huge brawl between the two sides. Evans was suspended a game for the incident, a decision that the league upheld on Wednesday.

Arians was seen chirping from the sidelines at multiple points throughout the game, which was standard during his days coaching the team, but curious for someone whose official title is “Senior Football Consultant,” per the Buccaneers’ website.

There doesn’t appear to be a rule that permits front office members from watching the games on the sideline. Per ESPN, Arians said the Saints did not provide a booth for he and GM Jason Licht to sit in, though the team claims they provided space in the press box.

As a result of his involvement, the NFL sent him a warning letter. It remains to be seen if any further discipline will come of the situation – or if Arians will be present on the sidelines in any future games.