In the NFL, Sins Have Been Committed, But Who Needs to Atone?

During a period of such economic uncertainty and political hostility, should football fans really be up in arms over the referee situation in the NFL?

In a word, yes.

In times of hardship, a person’s sanity often depends upon his/her ability to escape reality, even if just for a few hours. It’s why there’s an influx of movie patrons during recessions. It’s why cultural phenomena like the 50 Shades trilogy and Twilight saga dominate the NY Times Best Sellers list. It’s why reality shows like Jersey Shore, absent seemingly redeemable qualities, are wildly successful.

Like every nation, America has its own unique culture. And while these pop culture trends (like it or not) have become part of our culture, they are not its foundation. Football, however, is a sustaining force. A staple of American culture.

Team allegiances are passed down from generation to generation. Traditions unify a team and a city. Games make friends out of strangers, and turn friends into temporary rivals. But at the end of it all, win or lose, it’s just a game and it’s supposed to be fun.

Football is no longer fun. The game tarnished.

Admittedly, I initially didn’t care how the lockout was resolved, just so long as there was a resolution. Between the teachers’ strikes, the NHL strike, and the NFL refs’ lockout, my only opinion was that, like the election, these contests had run their course, and it was time for one side – either side – to admit defeat. It’s a complacency that is personally troubling to my once bleeding heart.

Then I watched last night’s Packers-Seahawks game.

As someone who has been paid in the currency of a byline more than I have in the form of a paycheck, I understand the frustration associated with the feeling of being undervalued. Sometimes it’s an inflation of one’s ego, other times it’s completely justified. Last night, the professional referees proved they belong in the latter category.

Given the state of the economy, it is still a seller’s job market. The NFL referees took a major gamble with their salary demands. The league bet replacement refs would be adequate substitutes, the real refs bet their absence would solidify the vital role they play in the success of the multi-billion dollar professional football industry.  So the league called the union's bluff and played the replacement refs.

The result: Players are getting injured at an alarming rate. Games are being won not by talent, but by luck of the call. Frustrations among the coaches and players are leading to physical altercations.

What we’re watching on Sundays and Monday nights is not football. It’s the scene inside of an Apple store during the launch of a new iPhone. On Black Friday. And someone just yelled, “Fire!”

The debate about whether or not the referees are adequately compensated is a moot point. Overpaid or not, they are uniquely qualified to perform a job, and their value has been proven in their absence.

It’s time for the commissioner’s office to fold.

And in the spirit of Yom Kippur, I’d say there is some atoning to be done in the NFL.

When I started writing this post, I was hell-bent on blaming the replacement refs for last night’s debacle. And, yes, everyone who watched the game and has since seen the replay can agree that the ruling on the field should have been overturned following review.

But, the refs are not really the ones who should be atoning.

No, Roger Goodell is the one who should repent for his sins.

For the sin he has committed in jeopardizing the football season.
For the sin he has committed out of greed.
For the sin he has committed forsaking the players’ safety.
For the sin has committed in betrayal of the fans.
For the sin he has committed in compromising the integrity of the game.
For all these sins, Goodell, ask to be pardoned and forgiven.

And then, for the love of G-d, bring back the real refs.