|
|
|
|
Printable Page
04/15 19:38 CDT Reports: Likelihood of NFL replacement refs enters new stage
with background checks, physicals
Reports: Likelihood of NFL replacement refs enters new stage with background
checks, physicals
NEW YORK (AP) --- The NFL's process of hiring replacement referees has reached
another stage, according to a memo sent to teams.
ESPN and The Athletic both reported Wednesday that several replacement
officials have completed hiring steps including background checks and will soon
progress to undergoing physical exams. Training sessions with NFL officiating
supervisors would then begin as early as next month.
The league has undertaken these steps because negotiations with the referees'
union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the discussions told
The Associated Press last month. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity
because the conversations are private.
The NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association is
set to expire on May 31.
According to ESPN, NFL senior vice president of officiating Perry Fewell
informed teams in his memo Wednesday that teams will receive further
information in the coming weeks about when replacement refs would be able to
work offseason workout programs and minicamps which begin on June if no new
agreement is reached with the union.
The league and the union have been negotiating a new collective bargaining
agreement since the summer of 2024.
The NFL has increased its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation
over a six-year labor deal, but the NFLRA wants 10% plus $2.5 million for
marketing fees, the two AP sources said last month.
NFLRA executive director Scott Green told the AP "those numbers are not
accurate." He said negotiations with the league are similar to 2012 when a
stalemate resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used. -__
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
|
| Copyright DTN. All rights reserved. Disclaimer. |
|
