CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NFL spokesman Michael Signora says a replacement official has been pulled from Sunday's game between New Orleans and Carolina after league officials discovered he's a Saints fan.
The NFL made the decision Sunday morning just hours before kickoff to relieve side judge Brian Stropolo of his responsibilities for this game. According to Signora, Stropolo was replaced "because of the information that surfaced disclosing that he is a Saints fan."
Stropolo, who is from New Orleans, posted several photos of himself in Saints gear tailgating at a preseason game on his Facebook page. Stropolo worked the Week 1 NFL opener between the Cowboys and Giants.
