The replacement refs aren't the ones to blame, not one bit. Rodger Goodell and the rest of the execs of the NFL have decided that the fans don't deserve the best product possible representing 'the Shield'. In their actions or in-actions, games have been dragging on and calls are being missed. These replacement refs are doing such a bad job it makes me think that its on purpose. That can't be, can it?
I remember how Goodell stood on TV and proclaimed how the players would be held accountable for how they represent the NFL. He put dress codes in place. He suspended players for off-the-field incidents that tarnished the image of the NFL. At this time, fans were more than fed up with constant reports of NFL player being arrested. It seemed like a nightly occurrence on SportsCenter that some player was arrested for something. From DUI and assault to drug possession and murder-for-hire. Goodell was justified by his actions even though the players thought he was being too harsh. I actually agreed with Goodell but oh how the times have changed.
The NFL is a multi-BILLION dollar, right to "print money" organization. Is the integrity of the league not worth $4 million (25% of Goodell's salary) that the refs are asking for? All actions of the NFL points to no. Even after the Monday Night Football "worse call in the history of the NFL" did anything happen. Goodell is not convinced that there is a problem. If he was, then as commissioner, he would have done something by now. Goodell is telling fans, through his inaction, that fans don't matter. Goodell is destroying the image of the NFL and the 31 other owners are helping. Where's Mark Cuban when you need him? Al Davis is really missed. None of these owners seem to want to tell Goodell that he is wrong for fear of being fined or suspended. I'd tell Goodell that you have to lead by example every day and not when its suits you. Goodell needs to come out and admit he screwed up and make things right. I'm not saying to "lay down" and give the refs whatever they want, but are the refs really asking for that much in the large scheme of things.
One could argue that the regular refs should have some blame as well but I can't quite get there. The NFL says their profits are down but they still made over $9 BILLION last year. Maybe if Goodell wasn't making $20 MIL a year. Yeah, I Said It! The NFLRA want pensions and raises. The NFL is hiding behind the officials being "part-time" employees. Really? How many part-time jobs pay $150k annually for roughly 22 weeks of work? Yes, many of the regular officials have other jobs, but since when does one job have anything to do with the benefits earned on a different job? NEVER! By that logic, a person who is an executive at Bank of America who takes a part-time job as a math teacher and his job at the bank will dictate how much the school district pays them? One has nothing to do with the other. So why is that even a arguable point? It's not and shame on those who think it should. The NFL doesn't run themselves according to how another company does so financial benefits for employees shouldn't be made that way either.
Fans spend there money for the NFL experience. We go to stadiums and pay the high price to park and buy the over priced food and beer. Fans make these concessions in order to see one of the greatest games on the planet, if not the greatest. If this wasn't true then Time Warner's deal with the NFL Network wouldn't have been news. No one would care about the NFL RedZone channel. Deion Sanders wouldn't be doing commercials with Eli or Payton for DirecTV and the list goes on. Keep in mind, the NFL is going to want folks to buy NFL Sunday Ticket next year. If this isn't fixed faster than quickly, then I know I won't.
D!
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