The NFL fined Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes $53,482 for unsportsmanlike conduct as a result of his confrontation with umpire Roy Ellison following last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
The league on Tuesday placed Ellison on administrative leave as it continues to review the matter. Hughes will not be suspended, a source previously told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The NFL Referees Association said Wednesday that it expected Ellison to be cleared.
"Video from last week's game shows [Ellison] was verbally threatened by a player who has a well-documented history of abusive language and inappropriate actions towards our officials," NFLRA executive director Scott Green said in a statement.