Troy Vincent: NFL Refs 'Held Accountable' After Bucs' Bruce Arians' Criticism

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said the league's officials are "held accountable" for on-field mistakes, but any discipline handed down isn't publicly announced.

Vincent told Jarrett Bell of USA Today he didn't agree with an assessment from Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who said Monday it's a "shame" that referees aren't held to the same standard as general managers, coaches and players.

"I disagree with that," Vincent said Friday. "What I've shared with Bruce this week and others is that they are held accountable. It's just not public."

The former Pro Bowl cornerback, who joined the league office in 2014, explained the NFL uses a point system to determine playoff referees and underperforming officials, per Bell. He noted potential discipline includes taking away game assignments, suspensions and termination.

"We have that ability, that discretion," Vincent said.

Arians previously took a public shot at officiating after a Week 5 loss to the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints in early October.

"Baffling," he told reporters after challenging two questionable calls that were upheld by video review.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the NFL sent a memo to teams in October reminding them individuals can be fined or suspended for public criticism of officials.

So far there's been no public word of discipline for Arians.

His team is already on the fringe of falling out of the playoff race with a 2-5 record heading into Sunday's road game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.