NFL Replacement Refs- Good or Bad?

After the ruckus following some of the NFL games last week, I don’t know if the substitute officiating is such a big deal or if something bigger is at play. What I’ve seen so far in regards to officiating is somehow refreshing.

Whose got the Ball?

 

I only follow one team, but the officiating mistakes appear to be honest and the consistency isn’t bad. I’ve often thought the regular referees are too fixated on whatever the commissioner’s office advice is for each week, based on the previous week. Consequently, the referees zero in on specific criteria, while other possible penalties are missed.

When officiating becomes a marketing extravaganza it takes away from the game. Watch any NBA playoff series to experience the hype and overkill.  Sometimes the NBA refs control the game and at other times- just let the players play. This may prevent tempers from getting out of hand, while another popular opinion is the control and tempo keeps the games close.

What Happened

 

Last week (week 2), the NFL coaches and players lambasted the referees. With the enormous popularity of the game, illegal and legal gaming interests at stake; I must ask a few questions:

·        Has the referee lockout affected television ratings?

·        Has the referee lockout reduced NFL game attendance?

·        Are the betting parlors in Las Vegas losing money?

·        Has the officiating made a difference in illegal gambling outcomes?

·        Will the coaches and players  tone down the hostility towards the refereeing this week?

·        Is the refereeing actually any worse than any other season?

·        Or is the heated controversy just a union ploy to end the lockout?

 

No Challenge Flag in Those Days

A former Cleveland Browns player on the old WEWS- Quarterback Club television show years ago mentioned the Cleveland Browns played in two games during the 1960’s which were investigated by the FBI and proven to have been fixed by the mob. One of those games involved the Dallas Cowboys back in the days of Bob Hayes. I am unable to recall the other game mentioned. The former player stated the games were fixed by the refereeing.

Interestingly, I was unable to find any information from any Browns-Cowboys game in reference to game fixing on the Internet. Although during the 1960’s, several players were investigated for ties to gambling and the mob.

Bottom Line

 

I don’t believe the NFL is dirty, nor do I believe the NFL has any direct ties  to organized crime. I’ve always trusted the officiating in the NFL. So trust isn’t the issue.

Is the question of the substitute referees about the performance on the field or the color of the field (money)?

What’s your opinion?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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