Seahawks Player Hugs Ref After Fumble-Return Touchdown, Is Promptly Penalized

Sometimes, you just need a hug.

Take Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas . He was clearly overcome with emotion on Sunday after he recovered a New Orleans Saints fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

Thomas could have embraced any number of teammates, but instead decided to show some unsolicited affection to a referee.

when you don't respect personal space and someone calls HR pic.twitter.com/ffljgCfqPy

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when you don't respect personal space and someone calls HR pic.twitter.com/ffljgCfqPy
Mike Tunison (@xmasape) October 30, 2016

Of course, the NFLs strict rules for touchdown celebrations are pretty well documented . And a person doesnt typically become a referee to win over any players heart.

Needless to say, the love was not reciprocated. As the video shows, the official penalized Thomas for unsportsmanlike conduct, without hesitation.

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The Saints beat the Seahawks, 2520.

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