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Players Express Concern Over Subsitutute Officials..............FP»News»Hot
NFL players concerned about 'scabs' officiating games
NFLPA makes legitimate point with safety concerns Brad Biggs
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Print This June 05, 2012, 09:04 AM EST
It comes as no surprise that NFL players – the last group to complete a labor battle with the owners – would take the side of the officials in the league’s latest show down.
The NFL is actively working to hire replacement officials after negotiations with the current officials have broken down, a process that’s led to some rhetoric being slung from both sides.
“The NFL Players Association is concerned about the NFL?s decision to lock out professional referees and recruit scabs to serve as referees in NFL games for the 2012 season,” the NFLPA said in a released statement.”
The NFLPA connects the officials to safety for the players in taking a side on the matter.
“In 2011, the NFL tasked officials with increased responsibilities in protecting player health and safety, and its search for scabs undermines that important function," the statement continued.
“Professional athletes require professional referees, and we believe in the NFL Referees Association’s trained first responders. The NFLPA will continue to monitor the league’s actions in this situation.”
From our vantage point, the NFL cannot afford to have replacement officials working in Week 1. Consider the fallout if a blown call – not a controversial call – plays a role in the outcome of even one game. It could happen to any officiating crew in any week. But if it happens to a replacement officiating crew, the fallout will be terrible for the NFL. You better believe that is what the officials are banking on too.
Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs
Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. 
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Maybe the safety issue is overblown and maybe it's not but if it is the NFL appears to be ignoring it. It seems like just another example of them talking the talk but not always walking the walk. If there is a player safety issue to be concerned with then that should be addressed.
It's difficult for me to understand how the league can have a compensation disagreement with a bunch or partime employees or contractors who are only paid on a game by game basis. These guys are not on their payroll 12 months out of the year or even 7 days a week when they are working. This is stupid.
There's only 10 paid officials per game. If you gave them each a $200 per game raise it costs just $2000 more per game. $32,000 for all 16 games. Jeezus raise the cost of a cup of beer ten cents and you'd have it covered. Talk about throwing nickels around like they were manhole covers. The ghost of GSH must be presiding over these negotiations for the NFL.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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I agree, throw some love to the refs. These are billion dollar franchises. It's a game played by millionaires. Surely they can throw a bone to the refs here.
Surely this is just posturing and both sides will cut a deal soon.
Trestman - Kromer - Tucker - DeCamillis
I'm looking forward to seeing these guys coach. Hope they're good.
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