NFL blames replacement officials plan on NFL Referees Association

On Wednesday, the league had no comment on the emergence of indications that the league has begun compiling a roster of replacement officials, in the event the NFL again locks out its game officials. On Thursday, the league issued a lengthy comment blaming the development on the NFL Referees Association. "In almost two years of negotiations, the union has made no effort to work with us on a goal we should all share -- ensuring an officiating culture that's centered around performance and accountability," NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy Jeff Miller said, via Kevin Seifert of ESPN.

"Over the course of that period, we have made numerous proposals that reflect a commitment to rewarding performance, while the union has refused to engage at all on economics. Their focus has centered on demands unrelated to improving the game, such as marketing fees and travel perks. "We will continue to engage at the bargaining table in the hope of reaching an agreement that strengthens officiating overall and is ultimately best for the game.

However, given the union's refusal to discuss material terms and the rapidly approaching expiration of the current agreement, we have been compelled to take steps to ensure football continues uninterrupted this season. " The NFLRA has said little if anything about the dynamics of the bargaining process. That's a mistake.

The union needs to meet the P. R. campaign head-on — especially since the NFLRA is operating at a significant disadvantage when it comes to the effort to win the hearts and minds of media and fans.