NFL Refs In DFW Before Getting Back To Work
WYLIE (CBSDFW.COM) - The final act of the National Football League's referee lockout drama will likely unfold in North Texas, where many die-hard fans are still not happy with how the labor negotiations unfolded.
"It's apparent a lot of the fans are not pleased, and it's given a sour perception of the game," said Lucio Ramirez, an NFL fan.
Before NFL officials take the field for this weekend's games, they will travel to Dallas.
They'll ratify the new agreement between their union and the NFL on Saturday and Sunday.
Then, they'll get physicals, draw their assignments and fly out to NFL stadiums for Sunday's games.
"We are glad to be getting back on the field for this weeks games," said Scott Green, President of the National Football League Referee Association, in a written statement.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to fans, but it may take more than apologies to change how fans feel about owners.
"I feel like the owners spend so much on their players, I think they need to take care of the referees as well, if they want more money and different things," said Cowboys fan Jon Middleton.
Fans don't seem to be sad to see the replacement officials go, even though some say those refs got a raw deal.
"And even that call the other night was a lot closer than people give credit for," said NFL fan Jack Boothe. "But its like the pack mentality. You know people tend to pile on to the way the crowd seems to be leaning and things like that."
