One of the most thankless jobs in the NFL is held by Mike Pereira.
He’s the V.P. of officiating, so he’s the guy who serves as the league’s mouthpiece when coaches, owners, and the media come calling with questions regarding real or perceived officiating blunders.
Last year, word emerged that Pereira will retire. According to Peter King of SI.com (whose first column back in a month has conjured images of Peter Griffin running home from the doctor’s office with his pants around his ankles . . . twice), the league has yet to find a suitable replacement.
Per King, Pereira acknowledged at the annual attempt by the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission to keep folks interested in the NFL without having a team there that the process hasn’t concluded.
“We thought we’d have someone in place by now,” Pereira said.
Periera also said that the search actually is starting over again, at the behest of Commissioner Roger Goodell. At least 15 candidates will be interviewed and/or re-interviewed.
Frankly, we think it’ll be difficult to replace Pereira. Many know and understand the NFL’s rule book; few can address extemporaneously the hot-button issues with candor and, when appropriate, humor.
Though Pereira sometimes ducks questionable calls we’d like to see him tackle, he has been the right public face for a process that is fraught with the frailities of human error.
If all else fails, maybe they can lure Ben Dreith out of retirement.
i’m sure some retreads that don’t grasp what actually happened in the denver game last year will blow up for me saying this, but Ed Hochuli is by far the best in the NFL, he should be given the job.
Daffy duck could do as good of a job as Mike Patriotperira.
I’m not sure what i find more annoying, obnoxious arrogant fans of any sports teams from boston, or people who hate the patriots because they tear through the NFL year after year.
yeah even though Hoculi screwed up he still should get it…..he has been near perfect over his career and a denver game blunder should not be the reason….Denver wasnt going anywhere anyway……LOL
Although probably not the best time due to the alleged lack of funds, the NFL needs to make the referee job a full-time position.
wow I want 41music to make a montage of my life…that video is hilarious
# topcide says: July 27, 2009 10:54 AM
I’m not sure what i find more annoying, obnoxious arrogant fans of any sports teams from boston, or people who hate the patriots because they tear through the NFL year after year.
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Both equally annoying.
Agree that Hercules is the best in the game. Dont wat him to get the job only because I likehim on the field.
Mike Pereira is a tool.
Hell….Just give it to Dan Rooney……Call him Ambassador of officiating….
When I think of charismatic referees, the first person that comes to mind is naturally Walt Coleman.
Sadly, the first two interviews were Stevie Wonder and Mr. Magoo.