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The NFL Referees Association says it will file a grievance on behalf of umpire Roy Ellison, who was suspended one game without pay for making what the league called a "profane and derogatory" statement toward Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams in last week's game.
The league announced the suspension Friday in a statement that said officials "are expected to avoid personal confrontations with players and be respectful of players and coaches at all times."
DENIAL: Williams says he did not use racial slur
PREDICTIONS: USA TODAY Sports' Week 12 picks
The referees association fired back with its own statement hours later, calling the decision to suspend Ellison "a rush to judgment" and accusing Williams of directing profanity and a racial slur toward Ellison, who is in his 11th season as an NFL official.
"The NFL's decision to suspend Mr. Ellison creates a double standard for what is acceptable on field conduct," Jim Quirk, the NFLRA's executive director, said in the statement.
"The League insists that Officials are held to a 'high standard,' but others involved in the game are held to no standard. Apparently the NFL accepts and condones a culture where players, coaches and teams can use racial slurs and profanity toward each other and at Officials."
RACE TO THE END: Who will AFC's final playoff team be?
If the suspension stands, Ellison won't work a game this weekend and will be eligible to return to his crew for Week 13.
"Roy Ellison is an accomplished 11-year veteran who is highly respected," NFLRA legal counsel Michael Arnold said in the statement. "The NFL imposed its judgment upon him without consideration of all the facts. The decision was arbitrary and unjustified and will be challenged with an immediate grievance."
Williams claimed Ellison called him a "garbage (expletive)," among other things, and teammates corroborated Williams' claim.
"I can definitely vouch that some things were said," Washington guard Kory Lichtensteiger told USA TODAY Sports. "I heard the ref say some very disparaging things, including the F-bomb."
Williams said Wednesday he thought the league would "probably sweep it under the rug," but that didn't happen.
"The NFL-NFLRA Collective Bargaining Agreement states that 'at no time will a Game Official engage in any conduct which adversely affects or reflects on the NFL or which results in the impairment of public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of League games or the integrity or good character of its Game Officials,'" the league's statement said.
Mike Pereira, the NFL's former director of officiating, told USA TODAY Sports the allegation deeply concerned him and there had been a similar accusation against the Ellison in the past.
"It's a talent to turn your back and not let it get to you, where you just go off," Pereira told USA TODAY Sports. "But you can do it. Football is different than hockey and baseball. In the NFL, professionalism has always been preached. You're the one who has to restore calm."
The NFLRA statement accused the league of ignoring the racial slur uttered by Williams and called "for an immediate end to a culture which tolerates the use of racially or sexually charged language by players, coaches, field personnel or in stadium audio/video display."
The NFL and NFLRA agreed to an eight-year collective-bargaining agreement Sept. 26, 2012, ending the infamous replacement ref era.
PHOTOS: Cheerleaders around the NFL
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Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders preform in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome.
Daniel Shirey, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Houston Texans cheerleaders perform in military costumes as part of Salute to Service month festivities during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Houston Texans cheerleader performs during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Houston Texans cheerleaders perform in military costumes as part of Salute to Service month festivities.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleader in action during the Jaguars' game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Phil Sears, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Miami Dolphins cheerleader waits to perform during the first half of the Dolphins' game against the San Diego Chargers.
Wilfredo Lee, APFullscreen
New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform before the Saints' game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Bill Haber, APFullscreen
Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders perform during the Bengals' game against the Cleveland Browns.
Tom Uhlman, APFullscreen
A Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader performs during the first half of the Eagles' game against the Washington Redskins.
Matt Slocum, APFullscreen
A Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader performs during the second half of the Eagles' game against the Washington Redskins.
Matt Slocum, APFullscreen
A Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader performs before the Buccaneers' game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Chris O'Meara, APFullscreen
Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform during the first half of the Jaguars' game against the Arizona Cardinals.
John Raoux, APFullscreen
A Houston Texans cheerleader peforms during the first half of the Texans' game against the Oakland Raiders.
Patric Schneider, APFullscreen
Buffalo Bills cheerleaders in action during the Bills' game against the New York Jets.
Heather Ainsworth, APFullscreen
Arizona Cardinals cheerleader performs during the game against the Houston Texans at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
San Francisco 49ers cheerleader during a timeout against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Arizona Cardinals cheerleader performs during the game against the Houston Texans at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Indianapolis Colts cheerleader performs a dance routine during the Colts' game against the St. Louis Rams.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Baltimore Ravens cheerleader dances during a stoppage in play during the Ravens' game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders walk around the stadium before the game against the Carolina Panthers.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Indianapolis Colts cheerleader performs during the Colts' game against the St. Louis Rams.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Atlanta Falcons cheerleader dances during a time out in the first half of the Falcons' against the Seattle Seahawks.
Daniel Shirey, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Indianapolis Colts cheerleader wears a camouflage top to honor the United States military for Veterans Day during a game against the St. Louis Rams.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Tennessee Titans cheerleaders wear camouflaged uniforms as part of the Titans's Salute to Service, held during the third quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wade Payne, APFullscreen
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform prior to the start of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Cowboys Stadium.
Jamie Squire, Getty ImagesFullscreen
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders perform at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Katy Marie performs during a timeout from the game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders pose for a photo during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
St. Louis Rams cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans.
L.G. Patterson, APFullscreen
Oakland Raiders cheerleaders perform before the Raiders' game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ed Szczepanski, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
New York Jets cheerleaders perform during the second half of the Jets' game against the New Orleans Saints.
Mel Evans, APFullscreen
The Washington Redskins cheerleaders perform during the second half of the Redskins' game against the San Diego Chargers.
Alex Brandon, APFullscreen
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders perform during the game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders perform during the first half of the Panthers' game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Chuck Burton, APFullscreen
A St. Louis Rams cheerleader performs during the second quarter of the Rams' game against the Tennessee Titans.
Tom Gannam, APFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform their signature leap over the midfield star before the start of the Cowboys' game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Sharon Ellman, APFullscreen
An Oakland Raiders cheerleader performs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Marcio Jose Sanchez, APFullscreen
New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform before the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills.
Bill Haber, APFullscreen
Cheerleaders perform during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.
Charlie Crowhurst, Getty ImagesFullscreen
New England Patriots cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins.
Steven Senne, APFullscreen
Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform during the NFL International Series game against the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium.
Bob Martin, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform during the NFL International Series game against the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium.
Bob Martin, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
New England Patriots cheerleaders, dressed in Halloween costumes, perform during the second quarter of the Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins.
Steven Senne, APFullscreen
A New England Patriots cheerleader, dressed in a Halloween costume, performs during the second quarter of the Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins.
Michael Dwyer, APFullscreen
A Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader performs during the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Cleveland Browns.
John Rieger, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform before the Saints' game against the Buffalo Bills.
Bill Haber, APFullscreen
Cheerleaders perform before the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.
Jamie McDonald, Getty ImagesFullscreen
Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders perfrom during the first half during the Chiefs' game against the Cleveland Browns.
Colin E. Braley, APFullscreen
Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders perform during the first half of the Eagles' game against the New York Giants.
Michael Perez, APFullscreen
Washington Redskins cheerleaders dance on the field against the Chicago Bears at FedEx Field.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Washington Redskins cheerleader performs during the game against the Detroit Lions before the game against the Chicago Bears at FedEX Field.
Brad Mills, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader performs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Michael Perez, APFullscreen
Oct 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders perform prior to playing the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-132746 ORIG FILE ID: 20131020_hcs_sy4_028.JPG
Howard Smith, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Atlanta Falcons cheerleader shown performing during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at the Georgia Dome.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
David Goldman, APFullscreen
Miami Dolphins cheerleader performs during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
The Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Jacksonville, Fla..
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreen
The Washington Redskins cheerleaders perform during the first half of a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Landover, Md.
Alex Brandon, APFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a time out in the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader performs during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco.
Ben Margot, APFullscreen
Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform with pink boots and pom poms for breast cancer awareness during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans.
Scott Eklund, APFullscreen
Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform with pink pom poms and boots to recognize breast cancer awareness month before the game against the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader in action during the third quarter of the Buccaneers' game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreen
Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders perform during the second half in the Vikings' game against the Carolina Panthers.
Ann Heisenfelt, APFullscreen
Houston Texans cheerleaders perform before the game against the St. Louis Rams.
Eric Gay, APFullscreen
A Baltimore Ravens cheerleader runs onto the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers.
Nick Wass, APFullscreen
Tampa Bay cheerleaders perform before the Buccaneers' game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chris O'Meara, APFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Katie Marie performs during a timeout from the game against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Oakland Raiders cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers.
Ben Margot, APFullscreen
Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Miami Dolphins cheerleader performs during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Sun Life Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Oakland Raiders cheerleaders pose before the game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at LP Field.
Jim Brown, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders perform during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sun Life Stadium.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty ImagesFullscreen
A Denver Broncos cheerleader performs in an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jack Dempsey, APFullscreen
A cheerleader from the Oakland Raiders performs during a timeout against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
An Atlanta Falcons cheerleader performs during the game against the New England Patriots at Georgia Dome.
Kevin C. Cox, Getty ImagesFullscreen
A Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleader performs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreen
Buffalo Bills cheerleaders perform before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Bill Wippert, APFullscreen
San Diego Chargers cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Cheerleaders from the Oakland Raiders Raiderettes squad perform during a break in the action against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform during the first half of the Jaguars' game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreen
A Tampa Bay cheerleader performs a practice routine before the Buccaneers' game against the Arizona Cardinals.
REINHOLD MATAY, APFullscreen
Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders run onto the field before the Vikings' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Matt Dunham, APFullscreen
A Buffalo cheerleader performs before the Bills' game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Bill Wippert, APFullscreen
A member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders performs during a game against the St. Louis Rams.
Tony Gutierrez, APFullscreen
Seattle Seahawks cheerleader performs during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at CenturyLink Field.
Steven Bisig, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Katy Marie performs during a timeout from the game against the St. Louis Rams at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Washington Redskins cheerleader performs before a game against the Detroit Lions.
Richard Lipski, APFullscreen
San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders perform during a break in the action agains the Colts in the first quarter at Candlestick Park.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
New Orleans Saints Saintsations cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY SportFullscreen
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders perform during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders perform before the game at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium.
Brad Mills, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Oakland Raiders cheerleader performs during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader dances during the first half against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
A Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader dances during the second half of an NFL between Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers.
Patrick Smith, Getty ImagesFullscreen
Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Jennifer Hilderbrand, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen
Houston Texans cheerleaders perform during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans.
David J. Phillip, APFullscreen
The Buffalo Bills cheerleaders perform in the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers.
Bill Wippert, APFullscreenLike this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:Replay1 of 100AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext Slide100Photos
Reproduced in www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/22/nfl-referees-association-grivenace-roy-ellison-trent-williams/3682137/