NFL Advances Hiring of Replacement Referees Amid Stalled Union Negotiations
The National Football League (NFL) has advanced its contingency plan to hire replacement referees as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) remain deadlocked. According to a memo obtained by The Associated Press, several candidate officials have completed background checks and are scheduled for physical examinations, with training sessions potentially starting next month. This development occurs as the current collective bargaining agreement approaches its May 31 expiration date. NFL Senior Vice President Perry Fewell informed teams that further details regarding the deployment of replacement officials for offseason programs will follow. Although the league claims commitment to a fair agreement, it is preparing for a potential lapse in talks. Disagreements persist over compensation, with the NFL offering a 6.45% annual increase while the union reportedly seeks 10% plus marketing fees. NFLRA executive director Scott Green disputed the reported figures but acknowledged similarities to the 2012 stalemate that led to a lockout. This strategic move signals the league's readiness to utilize non-union officials if a new deal is not reached before the deadline, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the upcoming season.
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NFL Advances Hiring of Replacement Referees Amid Stalled Union Negotiations
The National Football League (NFL) has advanced its contingency plan to hire replacement referees as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) remain deadlocked. According to a memo obtained by The Associated Press, several candidate officials have completed background checks and are scheduled for physical examinations, with training sessions potentially starting next month. This development occurs as the current collective bargaining agreement approaches its May 31 expiration date. NFL Senior Vice President Perry Fewell informed teams that further details regarding the deployment of replacement officials for offseason programs will follow. Although the league claims commitment to a fair agreement, it is preparing for a potential lapse in talks. Disagreements persist over compensation, with the NFL offering a 6.45% annual increase while the union reportedly seeks 10% plus marketing fees. NFLRA executive director Scott Green disputed the reported figures but acknowledged similarities to the 2012 stalemate that led to a lockout. This strategic move signals the league's readiness to utilize non-union officials if a new deal is not reached before the deadline, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the upcoming season.
AP News