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The replacement referee who made a controversial call during...

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COMMENT 324514	2012-09-26 05:08 PM
Every single day, companies spend a lot of money and hire a lot of attorneys to defeat, alter, and render ineffective those laws that you believe will protect you into the infinite future. NFL case in point: the money that the NFL is withholding from the union refs for pensions is miniscule, yet they would put the 9 billion dollar brand at risk to achieve it. Why? They don't think it's a risk bc you won't care and will watch the game anyway. This is why the average American working class wage level has deteriorated for the last 30 years, along with working conditions, while simultaneously the executive compensation has gone through the roof. Paid for with your could-have-been wages and benefits. Maybe you'll sing a different tune when you wake up in a Banana Republic with only the rich and the poor and no one in between. Poor equals no political power to keep those laws in place.
COMMENT 324514	2012-09-26 04:53 PM
Every single day, companies spend a lot of money and hire a lot of attorneys to defeat, alter, and render ineffective those laws that you believe will protect you into the infinite future. NFL case in point: the money that the NFL is withholding from the union refs for pensions is miniscule, yet they would put the 9 billion dollar brand at risk to achieve it. Why? They don't think it's a risk bc you won't care and will watch the game anyway. This is why the average American working class wage level has deteriorated for the last 30 years, along with working conditions, while simultaneously the executive compensation has gone through the roof. Paid for with your could-have-been wages and benefits. Maybe you'll sing a different tune when you wake up in a Banana Republic with only the rich and the poor and no one in between. Poor equals no political power to keep those laws in place.
COMMENT 324464	2012-09-26 04:00 PM
427- No, I expect them to keep those rights because it is now the law. There are now laws in place to protect employees in the workplace. Unions were needed long ago, like many things they are no longer necessary. Unless you would like me to believe that without the referee union the refs would be working 100 hour work weeks in poor working conditions and risk being beaten or shot if they complained. I have never been a union member and I have never encountered any of the working conditions you describe. Why? Because it is illegal to abuse employees now. Unfortunately it is not illegal for a union and its members to hold a business or organization hostage because it will not bow to union demands.
COMMENT 324514	2012-09-26 03:19 PM
The anti-union crowd seems to have lost their memory or never studied American history. A little refresher course: Prior to unions, think South African Miners. That's right, shot dead or beat with an iron rod by the police for protesting sub-human working conditions and pay. Unions earned for you a 40 hour work week, down from 100, sick leave, vacation days, workers compensation, health care, decent pay, safe working conditions, the list goes on. With blood, sweat and tears, not talk. So now it's all wrapped up and we don't need the unions anymore? That means you trust the companies to just keep these rights in place cuz they're nice guys. Good luck with that dream.
BECKY	2012-09-26 01:58 PM
As someone who does not follow televised sports, thanks for the link to this local article, which clearly explained what all the controversy was about. (Most articles didn't explain, but assumed we all knew.) I hope this makes many appreciate just how hard it is to competently officiate. I used to be a judge in another sport, and I truly hated it, so did it only for a short time. Being objective in a subjective sport is blasted hard! Being constantly judged and criticized (as a judge or referee) by those with no training makes it even harder.
COMMENT 324359	2012-09-26 01:15 PM
There are two ways to look at the word scab when referencing employees that do not belong to a union. One is demeaning and disgusting really. Union members call these people names because they are not conforming to what the union says even though they are not members. The second is to look at is as something similar to a bandaid. When we are injured or cut our body naturally creates a scab as part of the healing process. Scabs are a necessity, without them we could not heal. These non-union workers allow everyone who does not agree with the union to carry on with life when unions decide to hold companies hostage until they get their way. The NFL locked out the refs because they did not agree with the union demands. How much should you get paid to referee a game? I guess the opinion's of the owners and the unions are far apart on this. All I know is that if I walked into my boss' office and said I demand this amount or I will not do any work I would be fired. Why should these employees get to do something other people do not get to do. Times have changed and so has my opinion of unions.
COMMENT 324358P	2012-09-26 01:12 PM
Actually it's the Peter Principal at work - he simply rose to his level of incompetence, and as in so many organizations, his likely steady work, friendly demeanor, "never had a problem" reviews, and other factors finally hit the big time. Self-awareness is key here - know yourself and your limits, don't be fooled by the mirror.
COMMENT 324514	2012-09-26 12:57 PM
The 'replacement', read scab, refs and judges are essentially crossing the picket line. That line was established by the NFL when they locked out the refs. The scabs can't take the pressure, the speed and the intensity of the NFL. And this whole fiasco is so the NFL can save what amounts to tip money, in order to please their rich pals and bust the union. They found some suckers to use in this process, the scabs, and now the scabs are getting their due- humiliated, so the NFL owners can get off the hook. Volunteer scapegoats, who are getting what they deserve, used by the NFL.
COMMENT 324341	2012-09-26 12:45 PM
Remember you get what you pay for.
COMMENT 324335	2012-09-26 12:30 PM
294-If the Packers don't get into the playoffs because of one game they have no one to blame but themselves. I agree it is frustrating to have bad calls during a game. But knowing they have that challenge out on the field, they need to make sure they do not allow the game to become that close. Of course easier said than done but these guys make millions to play this game they need to overcome this obstacle.
COMMENT 324334	2012-09-26 12:29 PM
That guy better go hide with the anti-Muslim filmmaker before some fanatics get ahold of him...
ROGER DODGER	2012-09-26 11:52 AM
Good Man I too am a Bears fan...
COMMENT 324304	2012-09-26 11:26 AM
Time to get the Real Santa Barbara Ref (Gary Cavaletto) back on the field!
COMMENT 324300	2012-09-26 11:20 AM
294...not really. green bay picked up a td earlier on on a bad call against seattle.
COMMENT 324294	2012-09-26 11:04 AM
@MSSB if the Packers don't get into the playoffs because of one game they have EVERY right to point the finger at this local man. This could easily have been a season changing mistake for GreenBay. I'm not even a Packers fan and I can see clear as day how bad this can be for the rest of their season.
COMMENT 324287	2012-09-26 10:53 AM
you know the calls are bad when footlocker is asking them to return their uniforms. I do feel for them...they are out of there league. BUT, they should have know that and said no when asked. It's the peter principal in action!!
COMMENT 324271	2012-09-26 10:29 AM
Which "referee?" There is only one referee on the field at anytime, the remainder are judges. The two judges in this controversy are the side judge and the back judge. Do you mean the side judge?
COMMENT 324268	2012-09-26 10:25 AM
It is just amusing that people get worked up over football. It is a game played by those who are genetically brutal. The substitute refs add some color. There is probably a rule violation on every play of the game.
COMMENT 324264	2012-09-26 10:20 AM
250-There is plenty of season left so I don't think we are there yet. But if this goes on much longer it definitely could. I wonder what their fantasy football teams look like?
COMMENT 324250	2012-09-26 10:00 AM
I wonder if this has already fouled up the super bowl.
COMMENT 324241	2012-09-26 09:49 AM
Let's just have replacement players at random league-selected positions each week. This week: Left offensive tackle.
COMMENT 324233	2012-09-26 09:30 AM
They aren't "replacements." Call them what they are: Rat scabs.
COMMENT 324232	2012-09-26 09:29 AM
While I appreciate the fact that they allow us to have an NFL season, I think they could use some training. I know there will always be bad calls whether the refs are replacements or not. I do not think it is okay that they are allowed to make such obvious mistakes as taking the penalty yards from the wrong spot on the field, charging the wrong amount of yards for a specific penalty, and calling time runoff when it is not warranted. Replacements should at least know how the game is played shouldn't they? Or are we to sit back and allow these new people to make up their own rules and change the outcome of the season? At least have some trained professionals in the booth reviewing these calls to correct the serious mistakes. I know, I know it's just a game. My husband reminds me of this as I mock the absurdity of each bad call. At least we get to watch football.
COMMENT 324230	2012-09-26 09:27 AM
I can't believe something like this is front page news throughout the country. I guess I should be thankful though, a bit of a reprieve from the presidential race.
COMMENT 324226P	2012-09-26 09:23 AM
that explains it - he was looking for the tri-tip! (ok, maybe that's a stretch but I'm amused - I hide my handle in shame)
COMMENT 324225	2012-09-26 09:22 AM
I agree with 220 about the side judge - what a great opportunity, there's no way he could have passed that up. The league does need to work out a deal the refs though - enough is enough.
COMMENT 324223	2012-09-26 09:15 AM
This Bears fan is totally in love with him.
COMMENT 324300	2012-09-26 09:08 AM
everybody should get over it. without replacements there is no game. for the sidejudge, good for him. works in a bank, chance to participate at the game's highest level....go for it.

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