NFL vs Officials - The Time Is NOW



This is Not a Ref Huddle, Its a
Cluster F---


I know that I am not the only one on this Monday morning that is disgusted with the National Football League.  Let me say that this IS NOT because my favorite team lost in a ridiculous game, but more because I feel the product of the NFL is certainly losing its luster because of these scab officials.  Let me expand my thoughts for you.

- Length of Games Is Ridiculous - Yesterday's Steelers @ Raiders game that started at 4:25 almost ran into the Sunday Night Football game and that wasn't due to an overtime finish...it was just that long of a game.  There was alot of scoring, but that wasn't the main reason why the game was lengthy.  It was lengthy because after every penalty flag thrown, the officials found it necessary to huddle up for 5 minutes before calling offsides on one of the two teams.   Almost every NFL game has turned into a Yankees vs Red Sox game in terms of length.  The Broncos vs. Falcons MNF affair last week went well past midnight.  That is entirely too long for a football game...period.

- Indecision is NOT a Quality Trait of an Official - The NFL had to send out a letter to its coaches saying that they shouldn't yell at the officials.  What do you think Vince Lombardi's response would have been with that letter?  He probably would have used it for toilet paper.  Nonetheless, I can't blame the players for trying to get calls to go in their favor, and I don't blame the coaches for going bonkers when they miss blatant penalties.  Last night Bill Belicheat...oops, I mean Belichick....grabbed an official to get his attention after the Patriots lost to the Ravens 31-30 on a last second FG.  These officials are being coaxed into calls, and sometimes can't even make up their minds to throw a flag.  They will wait till the play is completely over...then wait another 5 seconds, then a flag will come out.  Indecision is NOT what you want from the replacements.

- Injuries Will Result from Officials - I didn't get to watch a TON of games yesterday, but did get to see alot of highlights.  These replacement officials are not calling penalties that are eventually going to lead to some key injuries for some teams.  Anyone else see Tony Romo get "earholed" helmet to helmet and no flag thrown?  Missed that one?  Anyone see Ben Roethlisberger get hit low with no flag?  How about Darrius Heward Bey get hit helmet to helmet by Ryan Mundy with no flag thrown?  Miss that one too?  Anyone see Ziggy Hood get blatantly chop blocked while he was engaged with an offensive lineman and there was no call after he was helped off the field?  These guys are missing calls, and because of that the players are playing with a reckless mentality.  The NFL should be happy James Harrison is hurt.

I could go on and on about why the regular officials and the NFL need to come to an agreement NOW.  It isn't about the officials caving anymore...the NFL is getting a bad reputation because of these replacement refs.  They are leading off news shows that aren't from ESPN or NFL Network.  These bums are the talk of the sports world, but the question is whether or not the NFL is too arrogant to cave in their negotiations and at least give the traditional refs part of what they are asking to get them back on the field.  Let me be clear that the regular officials miss calls too, but the above characteristics that I listed about the replacement officials are NOT characteristics of the regular officials.  Its frustrating as a fan, but who wants to see their favorite team lose because of an idiot "Lingerie League Ref"?!