[kbace6]

The replacement Refs are currently contracted until week 5. I suspect that will get extended. The only way the owners bring back the regular refs is if we all stop watching. And that just ain't gonna happen. To the best of my limited knowledge of the dispute, it is not about salary and all about full time pensions for part time workers and the NFL does not want to set that precedent. It's a great part time job that pays extremely well. I don't know why anyone would want to risk that kind of extra pay. It's not like the refs have a limited window like an NFL running back. Some of these guys have been (part time) refs for 20 years! It seems to me that for some it is never enough and they always want more more more. I think it is shameful on both sides.

FYI, I am a huge PATS fan and can see why the ref threw the flag on the "Phantom Holding call" against GRONK. It was borderline at best and I can't be 100% sure that a regular ref wouldn't have done the same thing. It's upsetting to me that my Pats lost the game, but if they had played better the rest of the game it would not have come down to 1 questionable call at the end.