The Lockout is Over! The NFL Will Have the Regular Refs Back for Week Four!

The National Football League nightmare is over, as the league and the locked out referees have come to an agreement that will put the regular refs back on the fields, starting with the Thursday night matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. Yes, Ed Hochuli and his guns will be calling a game this week!

One of the sticking points was that the NFL wanted extra crews, but the agreement calls for a development training program for new refs, who will work on getting NFL ready during the week with the experienced guys. They won't be eligible to work right away, but as they learn and get ready for league action, they'll be added into the referees association.

All that mumbo jumbo is great, but I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the regular officials are back. Have you ever seen a standing ovation for referees? I'm guessing that at all 15 games this week we're going to see them. Maybe ironically, but still, wait until the first time Mike Carey, Hochuli, or any of the guys in white hats flips that mic on to call a penalty. The stadiums are going to erupt. Then everyone will get mad at the next call and start calling them bums. It's going to be great.

via NFL.com