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It wouldn't sound so rediculous if you were one of those guys who have worked long and hard to ascend to the top of their profession. They realize that their service plays an integral (not major) part in the NFL's success and delivery of their entertainment product that you watch every Sunday. There is A LOT of money in this league, and it is only fair that they should share in the league's prosperity as its employees.
If their demands are met, it should only raise the stakes for aspiring officials like you (and me) to do the very best that we are capable to reach their level.
As for your latter assertions, the NFL officials' contract had expired the day after the Pro Bowl in February, 2001. They have been working the past few months (clinics and pre-season) without a contract. Furthermore, it has been the league's modus operendi to wait until the last minute to hash these issues out. The NFLRA would have loved to settle this thing back in March, but the league was focused on its pending litigation with Al Davis ($1 billion anti-trust suit brought by Raiders owner) and Orlando Brown ($200 million liability suit - hit in eye with flag). So, the league is the one that put this one off. The NFL is one big media machine that can spin this any way that they like even if it means "giving officials a bad name."
So, if you want to share your opinion with those involved, feel free to write the NFL and the NFLRA. I just wanted to make sure you had your facts straight before you contact them ...
[Edited by Zeke5 on Aug 28th, 2001 at 04:42 PM]
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