Seahawks' TNF win overshadowed by hot-mic moment from Jaxon Smith-Njigba, ref's call sparks broadcast reaction
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's profanity on a hot mic after a holding penalty became the focal point of Thursday Night Football as Seattle beat Arizona 23-20.
Seattle's 23-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football included a hot-mic moment from Jaxon Smith-Njigba after referee Alex Kemp announced a holding penalty on the Seahawks receiver. The comments, carried by the broadcast, were audible as the official prepared to signal the call that wiped out Zach Charbonnet's would-be second touchdown run. "That’s some bulls–t," Smith-Njigba muttered, a moment echoed by viewers across the NFL broadcast. Kemp attempted to turn off his mic, but the remark carried to the audience anyway.
That holding penalty negated a second rushing TD by Charbonnet; the drive ended with a field goal, keeping Seattle ahead 20-6. The Seahawks had leaned on field goals in the game’s final stretch as they safeguarded their lead and moved to 3-1 on the season.
Broadcasters Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit reacted to Smith-Njigba's exchange, with rules analyst Terry McAulay weighing in that the play was indeed a holding penalty. "Good call by Alex Kemp not to throw [a flag] — you know, it’s one thing if you say something in an open mic. But if the mic’s not open, right, you get away with it," Michaels said. "He gave him the look," Herbstreit replied. "Just a misdemeanor this time," Michaels added. "My kids make fun of me," Herbstreit quipped in response to the moment.
Smith-Njigba later contributed a big catch late in the game as Seattle preserved its lead. The Seahawks improved to 3-1 and now have a mini-bye before Week 5, while the Cardinals slipped to 2-2 after back-to-back losses.
