It's the call that everyone is talking about. The last second play in the Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks that was ruled a touchdown for the Seahawks. Because of that call the Seahawks won the game. But a lot of people are saying it was a bad call and they're blaming the replacement referees.
Packers fans in Wisconsin are not happy. One fan said, "I've been so disgusted with the call and the game being decided by that is absolutely ridiculous and I will not watch another NFL game or a Packer game, for that matter, because of this call." But it's not just fans in Wisconsin who are sharing their disgust. We spoke with local fans at Between the Buns Tuesday afternoon and they're voicing their opinion on more than just Monday nights game. They're fed up with the replacement refs period. Joseph Mathews said, "I think it's ridiculous and it's a pain in the rear!" James Goodson said, "I think the quality, the product of the NFL, their brand is going downward. It's spiraling. It's a joke at this point."
But not everyone is blaming the refs. Football Fan David Huber said it's not their fault, they've just been put into a situation they didn't have enough experience for. "They've been called in to sub and fill in the void while the rest of the guys do their negotiating. And I think they're just doing the best they can," said Huber.
Even a Notre Dame Finance Professor is weighing in. Richard Sheehan, who specializes in the economics of sports, said the NFL is wasting time and money with the replacement officials. "Estimated NFL profits in 2011 were $1 billion. The estimated value of the NFL brand is $1.5 billion. The estimated total compensation of NFL referees is $18 million. The difference between the costs of NFL and referee proposals is less thatn $3.5 million. So, the NFL is willing to risk a substantial part of $1 billion to save a few million? I would like to arrange a poker game with the person who made that decision," said Sheehan.
We'll have more reaction from fans and Professor Sheehan on FOX28 news at 10 tonight.
