Josh Norman Criticizes Officiating After Redskins vs. Bengals Tie

Washington cornerback Josh Norman could be hearing from the league office after criticizing the officiating in Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Who is official 88? I’ve gotta know,” Norman said, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post. “You suck. I’m just putting it out there. We play a physical game, they know that. We come here international game, it all goes out the window. ... He needs to be reprimanded.”

The official in question is field judge Brad Freeman. Norman was penalized five times for various infractions throughout the game, three of which the Bengals accepted. He had trouble at times containing A.J. Green, who finished with a game-high 121 yards on nine receptions.

In his first season with Washington, Norman has been inconsistent. Fans and players criticized the Pro Bowler for not shadowing Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown when he had a big game against Washington earlier this season. That led to a schematic switch for a game against the New York Giants, with Norman largely following Odell Beckham Jr.'s every move.

Pro Football Focus ranked Norman 27th among all cornerbacks coming into Week 8. Green made five of his receptions for 76 yards against Norman head-to-head, but Norman did record three passes defensed.

The public denunciation of officiating will almost certainly lead to Norman receiving a fine. The league sent out a memo earlier this season reminding teams there would be repercussions for public criticism, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:

"

We ask that you contact a member of the Football Operations department rather than making a public comment that may draw significant and unwanted public scrutiny. Such prohibited public statement may include specific statements about opposing coaches, players or the organization as a whole. ... Innuendos and indirect statements will also be considered prohibited under the policy.

Violations of this policy will result in prompt disciplinary action by the League office, which may include fines of the club and/or individual who make such public comments. Egregious and inflammatory comments could result in the suspension of the individual(s) making the comment.

"

It's unclear whether the league would actually follow through on a suspension; it would be borderline unprecedented. But openly telling an official he sucks is about as close to inflammatory as you can get.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.