Was the end of the Packers v. Seahawks Monday night game the worst faux-pas by an NFL officiating crew in the history of the league? Hands down…yes! Considering the replay system in place, and the ability to refer to the official NFL rules when in the replay booth? Yes. Yes. And yes again. For starters, the referees missed one of the worst and most obvious offensive pass interference penalties…ever. However…
Do NOT blame the referees. Don’t do it.
These guys are in over their heads, and they’re genuinely doing what they can do, given the time and lack of training that they’ve been offered by the league. Don’t forget…these fellas weren’t preparing to referee the top-tier of American football in 2012. They were planning to book themselves into NCAA Div. II and III games, and aspire to D-I FBS and FCS conferences.
Blame Roger Goodell. This guy, who has been so self-obsessed with policing the league, has forgotten that his number one job is to ensure that the league continues to exist. To thrive, after survive. And yet, he has dealt with two ugly work stoppages on his watch, in just a few short years as Commissioner of the NFL.
Roger Goodell has said nothing, and he seems far more interested in trying to back Jonathan Vilma and the other “bountygate” players into a corner, before he makes the referee situation his top priority. His arrogant, pompous persona has run its course. His wannabe, speak softly and carry a big stick, modus operandi is tired, and it’s time for him to go…and it’s time for the real referees to get back on the field.
