NFL warns teams about 'significant discipline' for abusing officials

NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent issued a memo on behalf of the league, warning teams that there would be "significant discipline" administered for abusive and offensive conduct levied toward officials, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

In recent weeks, the NFL Referees Association voiced increasing concerns about officials' safety in response to a series of on-field incidents. The league has taken notice.

"We want to keep our players on the field. No one wants a penalty or an ejection to determine the outcome of the game. In recent weeks, however, there have been several suspensions and ejections because of contact with, and conduct toward, our game officials. This is not who we are - as players, as clubs, as the NFL," Vincent wrote.

The referees' association took issue with New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton charging onto the field during a Week 14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Previously, Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch made contact with an official and was suspended after the fact.

It appears the league is trying to rectify a longstanding concern held by the referees' association, and it may go a long way in improving relations going forward.