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SALT LAKE CITY — The simple truth is, I love football. It started on Saturday afternoons when I was 10 and discovered NFL Films, narrated by the .."Voice of God" John Facenda. His famous words ..."on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field" were hypnotic. And I knew then, I had to play.
Now I talk football and basketball for a living. You know it and I know it, but it hasn't been the most positive year for the usually pristine National Football League.
Related:
Reports: NFL, referees closing in on new deal
wo days after a controversial call cost the Green Bay Packers a win, the NFL and the referees' union are reportedly nearing an end to a lockout that put replacement officials on the field since the start of the season.How about lousy?
Bounty Gate. Concussion concerns and a lockout that has forced the league to hire replacement referees. I find it odd that a league that's been proactive in lessening high velocity impacts, fining coaches and players for on and off the field behavior won't protect their investment with the best officials available.
Monday nights' blown call in the end zone of the Green Bay-Seattle game, rewarding the Seahawks with an asterisks-type win, is just one of many ridiculous calls made by replacement officials. Fans pay top dollar to see the best and expect the best. Well-paid players put their careers on the line each and every down, but those careers deserve to be protected with the best officials on the field.
Look, players are tweeting obscenities about their own league. There's a burning dislike for Commissioner Roger Goodell. TV revenue brings in a reported $4 billion a year to the league. I think the owners can find common ground on salary and a pension plan for it's officials.
Patience is growing thin. The NFL players union made a bold move Sunday, sending an open letter to owners asking them to end the lockout. The language of that letter was rather straightforward, citing concerns over what the union believes is now an "unsafe" work environment.
Very few will argue. Mr. Goodell, end this lockout!
