NFL ref touches Eagles player's butt for way too long and sparks match-fixing theory

NFL referee Todd Prukop went viral on Sunday for seemingly groping Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard, touching his butt for far too long during their Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field, which sparked theories of match-fixing.

Players and coaches slapping each other's butts is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, it's completely normal in most American sports, but a referee should not get touchy with an athlete.

Prukop was caught on video trying to calm Byard down during a bit of a scuffle. Once the safety relaxes, the referee continues touching his butt, letting the hand linger.

While Byard drew a flag on that play, Cowboys fans were quick to call out the referee for looking like his buddy, especially with a few controversial decision made earlier in the match.

Kevin Byard did not even flinch

Byard looks to be way too amped up to even notice how the referee is caressing his behind. The moment lasted about 20 seconds.

Prukop, a 14-year veteran, was part of the officiating crew for Super Bowl LI in 2017 and has had his fair share of controversy.

Being an NFL referee is extremely difficult, so Prukop should receive some slack from those who believe the match-fixing nonsense, but he should just keep his hands to himself.

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