Sports

NFL Union Referees Return to Football

Christian Marvin
October 3, 2012

The National Football League union referees are finally returning to football, and are no doubt more than welcomed by the NFL and countless fans.

Late Wednesday night the NFL and the NFL Referees Association reached a final agreement that ended the three month lockout. The deal hasn’t been ratified yet; it must first be voted through by at least 61 of the NFLRA’s 121 members.

For the time being, the NFLRA has sent union referees back on the field, which started September 27 in Baltimore, where the Ravens defeated the Browns.

“We appreciate the commitment of the NFLRA in working through the issues to reach this important agreement,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.

Most fans of the NFL are excited to see the union refs back in action, and also to see the replacement refs leave. Throughout the past three weeks of NFL football, the replacement refs have been receiving nonstop criticism from coaches, players, reporters and fans for several questionable calls.

The criticism of the replacement refs climaxed this Monday, when the Green Bay Packers took on the Seattle Seahawks.

The score was 12-7, with Green Bay in the lead. As the time expired, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw the ball 24 yards to receiver Golden Tate in the end zone. Tate pushed off of Green Bay defender Sam Shields and jumped to catch the ball. Green Bay defensive back M.D. Jennings caught the ball first, and both Jennings and Tate hit the ground in the end zone with the ball partially in their hands. Ruling on the field: touchdown Seattle, giving them the win over Green Bay.

After reviewing the play several times, both during the game and at NFL headquarters, the call was not overturned, and Seattle earned the win. Goodell said that he agreed with the refs’ choice to not overturn the call, saying there wasn’t enough video evidence to say that either player had full possession of the ball. The touchdown wasn’t confirmed; it just wasn’t overturned. However, all sports analysts agree that Golden Tate should have been called for pass interference for pushing Shields off, and that the game should have ended there, with Green Bay the victors.

Either way, everyone involved with NFL football is ready to see the official referees back in action.

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About the Contributor

Christian Marvin, Athletics Co-Editor

He aims, he shoots, he scores - basketball is one of many activities that Christian Marvin, junior and Athletics Editor, has an affinity for. In fact, a life full of friends, church and sports is one that he leads daily. With his hands full of engaging activities, in and out of school, Marvin looks forward to an exciting year.

This school year, Marvin has a full schedule on his hands. Physics is his favorite class because it is less rigorous than a handful of his other AP and Honors classes. He enjoys being on Amplifier because he “likes to write and there’s always something to do”.

Though he does not know exactly what path to take in the future, he does know that he wants to try his best in high school and start from there.

“I’m really want to get good grades this year, especially because I’m taking some hard classes,” Marvin said. “I also want to be more involved in service projects too.” At home, Marvin prefers to eat, relax and then do homework. He and his sister have two fish: Marvin’s is Flo, and his sister’s is King Triton. Despite his busy schedule, Marvin always finds time to spend for himself and with his family. Marvin enjoys eating chicken alfredo and drinking root beer and Dr. Pepper as well.

Out of school and home, Marvin is an avid participator in his church. Every Sunday, he teaches kindergarten at church, and attends youth group every Wednesday. In addition, Marvin also goes to Night Strike, a program in which he feeds homeless in downtown Portland.

“I like getting to play with the kids and teaching them,” Marvin said. “The kids are really fun and I like getting to know them.”

As for the sports aspect of his life, Marvin plays basketball. He prefers not to play on a school basketball team, but rather plays for enjoyment. Marvin’s specialty is shooting half-court shots and dunking on a ten foot net. He enjoys playing with friends because it is more fun, and there is a friendly competition.

Marvin hopes to complete his junior year and enjoy his last year in high school. He believes that can get through his high school life with the help of his family and friends. In all aspects of his life, he hopes to be successful and take the next step of his life.