Any union that has ever endured a work stoppage can only dream of the vindication the National Football League referees have enjoyed over the first three weeks of the season. Bad calls, missed calls, and difficulty controlling the action on the field have tainted many games, including Sunday night’s Patriots loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Pats, who lost by one point, can honestly point to numerous decisions by the replacement refs that altered the outcome; if the Ravens had lost, they could have done the same. Clearly, NFL owners need to work harder to solve the labor impasse and get the regular refs back on the field.
None of that excuses Patriots Coach Bill Belichick’s decision to grab a replacement ref as he was running off the field. It wasn’t a very threatening grab; Belichick wanted the refs to review Baltimore’s oh-so-close winning field goal, and couldn’t get their attention. Still, all coaches know they can’t touch the referees. After a disputed loss in which bad calls were numerous, such an act is especially objectionable. The NFL should fine Belichick enough to make him take notice, but any further punishment, such as a suspension, would be excessive.
Comments
Shut up, Globe. Spare us the pompous pontificating on a subject you may know even less about than politics (if that's possible). How many members of the Editorial Board played football? Or any helmeted sport, for that matter?
Dear Boston Globe: this is the NFL not the NBA. He deserves neither a fine nor a suspension. And his very concerns played out last night in Seattle: getting players cold out of the shower for one last play!
"Replacement refs are doing their jobs under nearly impossible conditions. They deserve respect, even in trying circumstances." No, they are scabs trying to take other people's jobs and they deserve NO RESPECT.
This statement in the editorial clearly reflects the Globe's anti organized labor bias. "Clearly, NFL owners need to work harder to solve the labor impasse and get the regular refs back on the field." There is no work required to get the refs back on the field. This is a lockout. The refs want to continue working while they negotiate, which is exactly what the Globe says a union should do when it is being critical of a union strike. What the Globe should say is: The NFL needs to end the lockut immediately and the parties need to work hard to settle their differences at the negotiation table.
Exactly!
I disagree totally. even as bad as some of the replacement refs are,there is no defense against physically abusing any game official in any sport,irregardless of intent or degree.
The fine against Coach Belichick is too high. The field goal was questionable & deserved explanation.
What is the Amoiunt of NFL fine against Baltimore players's helmet hit on Dion Branch?