I won't be watching the games.

Good news? Well, hopefully. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8427652/locked-nfl-referees-return-early-week-sources

"The NFL and the NFL Referees Association made enough progress in negotiations Tuesday night that the possibility of the locked-out officials returning in time to work this week's games has been discussed, according to sources on both sides.

An agreement in principle is at hand, according to one source familiar to talks, although NFL owners have postured with a "no more compromise" stance.

Although league sources said it would take a week to get the locked-out officials on the field, the NFLRA says its 121 referees have been trained on the new rules implemented last season, have already passed physicals or are prepared to pass physicals immediately. New official game uniforms designed by Nike are "hardly an obstacle," according to a source.

Both sides have made concessions on previous sticking points such as a taxi squad of 21 new officials and pension plans that sources say the final meaningful hurdle is, as one source said, "about a little more money."

While league sources say owners who participated in a conference call with commissioner Roger Goodell during Tuesday's talks had instructed the negotiating team to set a firm barrier for the financial settlement, the NFLRA is prepared to accept a new agreement primarily in the form of a "ratification bonus," which would compensate its 121-member union for concessions it is willing to make.

The NFLRA and the league have all but agreed on developing a 21-member "taxi squad" that Goodell has pushed, but not at the financial cost of the union members.

The NFLRA, citing that it once utilized the now-defunct NFL Europe as a training ground of prospective officials, is willing to train 21 officials from the major college ranks by including them in offseason seminars as well as incorporate them in training camp work.

The NFLRA would not unionize those officials and would want them compensated by the league if "they are brought up from the minors" to work a regular-season game.

Goodell has wanted the power to "bench" officials who underperform or are downgraded during the season. The NFLRA contends the league already has that ability because there are always between one and four crews that sit home each week and would be more qualified to substitute in such a scenario.

The NFLRA also wants to form an "expert committee" that would be major contributors to the league's stated goal to improve officiating. Under this proposal, the committee would be comprised of some of the top retired officials and supervisors of major college conferences who had served as NFL officials."

@Rol

In order for Jennings to have control of the ball all three (a, b, and c) must be fulfilled. Tate grabed the ball before Jennings touched the ground.

No, Tate's hand got stuck between the ball and Jenning's chest and then Jenning's rolled away with the ball after hitting the ground.

It was an interception.

Also, that was an interception, even after the pass interference. It's so clear that it's not worth debating.

Another funny thing about the play is people point out the blantant OPI but there was definatly DPI too on the two packers jumpin to their right. Anyway I watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKfkA5QMvfg&feature=related

This video. The first replay angle make it look like take got both hands on the ball. Second angle makes it look like Tate has his arm. Anyway, once tates feet hit the ground it was a TD as per the NFL case book

It's so clear that it's not worth debating.

Well the refs on the field, the review booth, and the NFL don't agree with you. Those are who matters. I have provided the rules. What have you provided? You opinion? nice one. But watch it in real time. Looks like simultaneous catch with all those hands in there. If I were the ref on the field making that call I could call touchdown too. And most likely you would too.

The play then turns to the review booth. So the question now is if Tate gets both hands on the ball with jennings. As for the first angle it looks to be the case. It doesn't matter how much of the ball either one has. Once tates feet hit if he has the ball its a touchdown. The review booth determined that Tate got both hands on it along with Jenning.

Per Schefter, it sounds like a deal has been reached between the NFL and the regular refs.

"@AdamSchefter
As @mortreport is reporting, an agreement between NFL and NFLRA is at hand and both sides will work to have officials working this weekend. "

So noname do you even watch the raiders anymore? And are you ready to see the Broncos make them squeal like pigs?

I am so thankful the Broncos finally get a break from the tough teams and got Oakland to maul around the field.

Goodell has a soft spot for large pensions and pay bumps. The owners are also fans of unions in general. Baghdad Bob assuresme that the timing is a mere coincidence.

?

Just 'cause I'm an A's fan, doesn't mean I'm also a Raiders fan!

My dad is though, which means the past twenty years have largely been very enjoyable for me.