APThere’s a reason most coaches have made bland “stay in my lane” declarations if they’ve said anything at all about the NFL’s replacement officials.
They’ve been told to say little.
According to Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com, the league sent out a memo to all clubs with replacement-ref talking points.
“As discussed in our recent oonference calls,” the memo says, “it’s imperative that your entire organization welomes these officials and provides them with an environment that maximizes their training opportunities and encourages their development.”
The memo goes on to say: “Finally, we remind you that club personnel should not engage in public discussions about the lockout. We have attached some talking points for use by owners and a separate set of talking points for use by head coaches, if necessary. If you are asked about the negotiations or the replacement offcials, feel free to refer the question to our office. Please share these expectations with your coaches, players and operations staff so that all may contribute to the success of our officials on the field in 2012.”
As Freeman points out, the memo underscores the idea that the league is in this for the long haul.
We’ll see beginning tonight if their replacements are up to the challenge, or whether the locked-out regulars will gain some leverage when folks begin to see how deep the league’s bench actually is.
Channel Finder
The season will be more exciting and entertaining with horrible refs.
The sad part about all of this is that these guys weren’t even on the bench before the lockout.
Sounds suspiciously like an NBA-type move. What next? Ejections for talking?
Stupid (God)ell.
Bring back the USFL not the No Fun League (NFL)
Regarding the refs: doesn’t it seem we have more of a problem with the penalties that are called rather than the ones that aren’t? I think that a more hands off approach will be met with pleasure by the majority of fans.
I wouldn’t talk about the scab officials either, they will be a cancer on this league, just like the rich republicans that most owner are, they want even more money in there pockets. Bill
So far, so good. I’m against union busting, but the refs are losing all levarage. The scabs may be doing average, but so were the “pros”.
So I guess NFL personnel aren’t entitled to Freedom of Speech………whatever. Goodell must think he’s a military general and that the UCMJ applies to his underlings. If i’m an owner I’d say whatever the hell I wish about the replacement officials. Same if i’m the GM or the coach. So long as you’re not crossing the border of bad taste then they should feel free not to toe the company line.
Kommissar Goodell has issued the edict: Shut up or else!
Goodell needs to retire with David Stern. The both of them should just get lost.