Controversy gets political,
From Obama to Ryan, call for ‘real’ officials’ return is unanimous
Though they have their own problems and differences, politicians across the land have joined in chorus to call for an end to the NFL lockout of its regular officials. They’re fed up with the controversies that have plagued the replacements.
We typically see mayors and governors wagering local delicacies on Super Bowl outcomes and joining victory parades. This is an appeal for a return to NFL normalcy.
“Terrible!” President Obama told the news media Tuesday on the lawn of the White House. “I’ve been saying for months we’ve got to get our refs back.” OK, it’s not entirely bipartisan. At a rally in Cincinnati, Paul Ryan, the Republican candidate for vice president and a U.S. representative from Wisconsin, lamented the controversial touchdown call that sent the Green Bay Packers to a Monday night loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“Did you guys watch the Packers game last night? I mean, give me a break,” Ryan said in Cincinnati. “It’s time to get the real refs back.”
But he also used the opportunity to get in a jab that the performance of the replacements refs was like Obama’s handling of the economy.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, has waged battles with unions. But Walker tweeted, “After
“The NFL sued New Jersey over sports betting because they were concerned about the integrity of the game. They can’t have it both ways.” Stephen Sweeney, New Jersey state Senate president
catching a few hours of sleep, the #Packers game is still just as painful. #Return the real refs.”
What can government do about it? In New Jersey, the Democratic president of the state Senate has a plan. Stephen Sweeney told the Associated Press he was drafting legislation that would prevent replacement officials from working NFL games and other pro sports in New Jersey. The state is the playing home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Sweeney said player safety was one issue. He also said it was unfair to fans if blown calls changed the outcomes of games.
“The NFL sued New Jersey over sports betting because they were concerned about the integrity of the game. They can’t have it both ways,” Sweeney said.