Refs make history

An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history when the Los Angeles Rams beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 yesterday. Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed. When the NFL announced the crew was being assembled lastweek, league executive vice-president of football operations Troy Vincent hailed the move as a ‘‘a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.’’