Back in business….
Thankfully after three weeks of regular season games and countless complaints over calls that should have been made but weren’t, and ones made that should not have been, regular NFL referees were back for last night’s Baltimore Ravens/Cleveland Browns contest led by the above pictured Gene Steratore.
The debacle that ended this week’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks made it near essential a deal be in place before the next game. The backlash was brutal. Everyone was taking shots at the NFL, including professional golfer Bubba Watson. And with Monday night’s loser, the Green Bay Packers, playing at home on Sunday the scene probably would have been less than pleasant if replacement officials were present at Lambeau Field.
The tentative deal reached late Wednesday still needs to be ratified, but that’s a mere formality at this point.
Now that normalcy has been restored the NFL released this letter from commissioner Roger Goodell to fans earlier today.
To NFL Fans:
The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations.
All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do.
We recognize that some decisions may be difficult to accept in the passion of the moment, but my most important responsibility is to improve the game for this generation and the next.
I believe in accountability, not excuses. And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better.
As a lifelong fan, this wasn’t an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances.
Our new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of our game, officiating. More important, with this agreement, officiating will be better in the long run. While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms. For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field. In addition, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.
We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field. It’s time to put the focus where it belongs — on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion.
Roger Goodell
Commissioner David Stern issued a similar letter to fans after the NBA lockout ended.
