Entertainment

‘South Park’ mocks NFL referee situation

As the NFL was hammering out a deal with its officials Wednesday night, the league was getting hammered by “South Park.”

The cartoon show began the second half of its 16th season by skewering the league’s stances on concussions – and of course, the recent replacement referee debacle.

The episode’s plot centers around suburban dad Randy Marsh, who’s frustrated about excessive safety measures in football. So he decides to offer smart-aleck suggestions about how the game should be played, such as players wearing bras and tin-foil hats, and the pigskin replaced by a balloon.

The new game? Sarcastaball.

Of course, Sarcastaball becomes a national phenomenon, and Randy emerges as the coach of the Denver Broncos … since all of the NFL teams adopt the Sarcastaball rules.

One scene shows officials conflicted over a call, mirroring the chaotic end of Monday’s Seahawks-Packers game where the league’s replacement referees disagreed over the ruling of the final play.

“Oh, the referee is calling that a touchdown,” the announcer says, as Denver QB Peyton Manning – in a bra – watches on. “Oh wait, another official is signaling that’s a safety.”

“Nice going, replacement refs,” Randy Marsh yells. The referees gesture for intentional grounding and holding, unsure how to proceed.

“They’re gonna have to sort this one out with the side judge,” the announcer says.

The side judge studies the play, then leaves the replay booth.

“F— it, it’s a f—ing field goal,” the official says.

“Yeah!” coach Marsh screams, pumping his fists to mimic Seattle coach Pete Carroll following the Monday Night Football turmoil, with reality turning to a comedic punch line in less than 48 hours.