NFL Refs Deal Close?

[ABM]

Let's hope so!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ap-source-talks-resume-between-155205807--nfl.html

With Commissioner Roger Goodell at the table, the NFL and referees' union pressed toward a settlement Wednesday to end a three-month lockout that triggered a wave of frustration and anger over replacement officials and threatened to disrupt the rest of the season.

Two days after a controversial call cost the Green Bay Packers a win, both sides were said to be nearing a deal and several reports put regular officials back at work perhaps as early as Sunday.

ESPN reported that ''an agreement in principle is at hand.'' The New York Times said the sides ''were closing in'' on a new agreement.

The NFL declined to confirm that a tentative contract was imminent............

 

[maxiep]

I'm not holding my breath.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The replacement refs wasn't a good idea. Not because of supporting the strike but I do think they didn't get games under control.

 

[Rhal]

The replacement refs wasn't a good idea. Not because of supporting the strike but I do think they didn't get games under control.

A huge danger to players. The games got really chippy really quickly and the amount of really hard helmet to helmet hits in the first three weeks is disgraceful.

 

[ABM]

Someone equated the replacement refs to when a substitute teacher walked into your classroom on any given school day.

Instant unrest and abuse!!

 

[maxiep]

AP and NFL.com saying it's done. Whew.

 

[ABM]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...en-nfl-officials-imminent-023915580--nfl.html

As it turned out, the NFL's nightmare scenario -- a team losing a game it should have won -- was all it took for the league and the NFL Referees' Association to get back to the bargaining table and wrap up a new deal. Negotiations picked up momentum after the Seattle Seahawks beat the Green Bay Packers, 14-12, on Monday Night Football on a touchdown catch by Seattle receiver Golden Tate that was highly questionable.

According to several reports from many sources, the two sides are ready to sign off on the details of a multi-year collective bargaining agreement that will bring the real officials back from their lockout and on the field for Thursday night's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. The agreement is completed in principle, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed on Wednesday night that the stalemate is indeed over.

The pension plan that the officials wanted to hold on to will reportedly be extended for another five years, with the retirement plans switching to 401k accounts after. The NFL wanted a new pool of 21 officials added to the NFLRA's current staff of 121 members, but the compromise will create a new developmental program.

The developmental officials will work with the existing crews and rise through the ranks as they are graded appropriately. Until they are deemed ready, the developmental refs will not be NFLRA members and cannot work games. It was the NFL's wish that a larger pool of officials be ready to sub in for refs that are either sick or injured, and that there be a program by which officials whose performance is considered sub-par would be "benched.".........

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Hahahahahaha! They're breaking into regular programing to announce that the strike is over!

Shows just how amazingly popular the NFL is.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I'm not holding my breath.

You're right, an hour would have killed you.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

AP Sports ‏@AP_Sports NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our officials will be back on the field starting tomorrow night."

 

[santeesioux]

About time.