That’s it!
The NFL replacement referee debacle, and that is the only word you can use to describe it, has finally reached the point of no return after a blown call cost the Green Bay Packers a win against the Seattle Seahawks in a nationally televised game on Monday night.
On the final play of the game, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson hurled a pass into the endzone with the Seahawks trailing 12-7. Wide receiver Golden Tate went up for the jump ball along with Packers defensive backs Sam Shields and M.D. Jennings, with Jennings coming down with what appeared to be an interception.
While one referee ruled that Tate came down with the ball and signaled for a touchdown, giving Seattle the eventual 14-12 win. The other official signaled for the clock to stop, which normally serves as a prelude for a touchback call.
TWITTER REACTIONS TO REF’S CALL IN PACKERS-SEAHAWKS GAME
TIME TO END THIS ROGER: VACCARO
Following the call, the response has been monumental.
A report surfaced on Tuesday morning, just hours after the blown call, that the NFL hired some of their replacement officials after they were fired from the Lingerie Football League.
“Due to several on-field incompetent officiating we chose to part ways with a couple of crews which apparently are now officiating in the NFL,” the league said in a report by sports blog Deadspin. “We have a lot of respect for our officials but we felt the officiating was not in line with our expectations.”
Monday’s call prompted the LFL to make a statement about the NFL’s subs.
“We have not made public comment to date because we felt it was not our place to do so. However in light of tonight’s event, we felt it was only fair that NFL fans knew the truth as to who are officiating these games,” the LFL stated.
The situation has become so high-profile and messy that even President Obama has commented on the referee lockout.
“NFL fans on both sides of the aisle hope the refs’ lockout is settled soon. -bo,” Obama tweeted.
In addition to President Obama weighing in, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney announced Tuesday that he is drafting a bill to ban the replacements in the state, where the Giants and Jets play their home games.
Sweeney said that the current state of the officiating is “making a mockery of the sport” and that he expects the bill to be introduced sometime next week.
“We wouldn’t allow a factory or construction site to operate without fully trained supervisors on hand to ensure the safety of employees. Why should we do anything differently when the job site is a playing field?” Sweeney said.
While the bill would be welcomed by many fans, team owners do not want politicians meddling in the dispute with the referees.
“We appreciate Senator Sweeney’s interest in our game, but officiating controversies have always been part of sports,” Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said to NJ.com.
The NFL released a statement sticking behind the call, and the referees.
“Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood,” the statement reads.
“The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review. The result of the game is final.”
The NFL cited the rule for simultaneous catch when defending the call and not overturning it, saying that the correct call of a touchdown was made.
“When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player.”
The NFL did admit one gaffe made on the final play however.
“While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground,” the statement read. “This should have been a penalty for offensive pass interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay.”
The NFL Players Association released a letter to team owners, criticizing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell over the lockout.
“We believe there is substantial evidence that you have failed in your obligation to provide as safe a working environment as possible,” the letter reads. “Your decision to lock out officials with more than 1,500 years of collective NFL experience has led to a deterioration of order, safety and integrity.
“This affirmative decision has not only resulted in poor calls, missed calls and bad game management, but the combination of those deficiencies will only continue to jeopardize player health and safety and the integrity of the game that has taken decades to build.”
The NFL and the locked-out referees have met for four straight days, but have left the negotiating table with no deal and remain far apart on issues. The NFL referees are seeking more compensation as well as a pension plan in their new contract.
“It has been reported that the two sides are apart by approximately $60,000 per team,” the NFLPA wrote. “We note that your Commissioner has fined an individual player as much in the name of “safety.” Your actions are looking more and more like simple greed. You cannot simply switch to a group of cheaper officials and fulfill your legal, moral, and duty obligations to us and our fans.”
Additional Reporting by Michael Blaustein
asulla-heffinger@nypost.com