NFL Making Plans to Bring in Scab Referees

Hey, more NFL news in May! No wonder they're king. This doesn't have to do with concussions or bounties, but the zebras. Apparently there is strife between the referees and the league. Well, maybe not strife, but the labor agreement between the two sides expired after the last season and they're negotiating a new one.

The NFL wants the best guys calling the games, but they have to be ready in case an agreement can't be reached. I hope it is, because weird as it sounds, I look forward to who's calling each game. I know if Mike Carey (pictured) or Ed Hochuli is wearing the white hat, I have a good idea how the game will be handled by the officiating crew.

That's not to say that the most recognizable refs don't have bad games; they do. But there is something comforting about seeing the top crews running the game of your favorite team.

Anyway, FoxSports.com got a hold of the NFL's plan to find guys to replace the usual refs if a deal can't be hammered out.  Here's some of the letter sent out to the guys who scout refs. Not only should they check for recently retired high level college refs, but also:

Lower-division college, professional league and semi-professional league officials whose window of opportunity for advancement has pretty much closed but who have the ability to work higher levels but just got overlooked.

I'm guessing I'm probably in the minority of people who care exactly who is reffing an NFL game, but I'm sure most people would want guys who are up for the job out there each week. So let's just hope the league and officials can get a deal done.

Article by Eric Gray

via Fox Sports