Seahawks Player Hugs Ref After Fumble-Return Touchdown, Is Promptly Penalized

Sometimes, you just need a hug.

Take Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas. He was clearly overcome with emotion on Sunday after he recovered a New Orleans Saints fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

Thomas could have embraced any number of teammates, but instead decided to show some unsolicited affection to a referee.

when you don't respect personal space and someone calls HR pic.twitter.com/ffljgCfqPy

- Mike Tunison (@xmasape) October 30, 2016

Of course, the NFL's strict rules for touchdown celebrations are pretty well documented. And a person doesn't typically become a referee to win over any player's heart.

Needless to say, the love was not reciprocated. As the video shows, the official penalized Thomas for unsportsmanlike conduct, without hesitation.

The Saints beat the Seahawks, 25–20.

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