The NFL has finally solved the problem of the replacement refs. They got rid of them. The NFLPA (players association) reached a deal financially with the NFL refs and the refs are now returning. The replacement refs had no control of the games and garnered no respect from the players. They had trouble enforcing the simplest NFL rules, missed easy judgment calls such as fumbles and interceptions and in general appeared to lack a good understanding of how to referee a football game.
Shannahan was fined $25,000 for chasing after a ref after he incorrectly said the game was over, although there were seven seconds remaining. Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing a ref after he incorrectly called a field goal good, even though it was wide.
To make matters worse, the refs allowed the 49ers not one, but two video reviews that were improperly granted in their week three loss to Minnesota. In a Lions vs. Titans game, the officials marked off too many yards on a penalty.
The tipping point for the scab officials was in week three’s monday night game between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks were down 12-7 and threw up a last second Hail Mary. The ball appeared to be intercepted by the Green Bay player, but the refs ruled it a touchdown for Seattle. Even after a lengthy video review, the officials upheld the incorrect call, thus taking a win away from Green Bay and unfairly giving it to the Seahawks.
This caused an uproar from not only Packers fans, but also people around the country. Packers offensive lineman TJ Lang tweeted “F**k it, Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.” This message of frustration resonated with fans around the country; it obtained 92,314 retweets, which broke the record for most retweeted tweet, moving past Justin Bieber.
Newspapers have also showed their disapproval. Headlines throughout the country have bashed the replacement officials; they have called them indecisive and just straight up morons.
But now that the NFL refs are back, it is believed that football will be much safer. The reason, though, that this change has not come up quicker is due to the fans. The league is at the will of the fans. The fans pay the big salaries every time they buy a ticket, soda, or parking pass for the game. Or even watch it on TV.
If one in every 10 fans after week one decided to bag the game, and not watch it due to the fact the officiating was not up to par and the game needed to change to being officiated by experienced, competent refs the NFL would have to change or shut down due to the revenue loss.This is because the revenue loss would have been catastrophic and the league would soon go under.
The NFL is the most powerful professional sports league in the world but due to the fact they rely on the fans for everything they are at the mercy of the fans. So if the next issue that comes up is concussions, ticket prices or whatever it may be the people have the power to stop it. So if you are complaining over the overpriced soda, the best way to actually get the prices down is just too simply not pay it.
