Brady Unlimited III: Wolverines in the NFL & NFL News

[lineygoblue]

As noted in the other thread, Ryan Van Bergen will sign an undrafted free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers.

[Paul L]

Junior Seau found dead in his home at 43; possible suicide.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7882750/former-nfl-linebacker-great-junior-seau-dies-43

[WM Wolverine]

Shot himself in the heart/chest, to preserve his brain for study.

[*JD*]

Shocking. RIP.

[geo weidl]

Liney, your dream job has arrived.
NFL looks into hiring replacement officials for upcoming season

Published On Mon Jun 4 2012

The NFL said that regional training sessions for replacement officials would begin this month 'to ensure that there is no disruption to NFL games this season.'
DAVID EULITT/MCT
Barry Wilner The Associated Press







NEW YORK?The NFL will start hiring and training possible replacement officials with a deal not yet completed with the NFL Referees Association.




Talks between the league and the officials broke down after two mediation sessions. The two sides had been negotiating since October and have said they expect a new collective bargaining agreement in time for the upcoming season.
But that optimism has disappeared.
A session was held Sunday under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the NFLRA said the league ?terminated negotiations? on Monday.
The league said that regional training sessions for replacement officials would begin this month ?to ensure that there is no disruption to NFL games this season.?
?Our goal is to maintain the highest quality of officiating for our teams, players, and fans, including proper enforcement of the playing rules and efficient management of our games,? the league said in a statement.
The NFL?s search would target retired college officials and perhaps current ones who would be qualified to work professional games.
Referees counsel Mike Arnold called those replacements ?amateur referees.?
?It is unfortunate that as referees? responsibilities are expanded that the NFL would jeopardize player health and safety and the integrity of the game by seeking amateur, under-qualified referees to administer professional games,? Arnold said.
In 2001, the league used replacement officials for one pre-season game, then the first weekend of the regular season. An agreement was then reached, and another CBA was negotiated in 2006 that expired after last season.

[lineygoblue]

No thanks. I want no part of it.

[geo weidl]

CFL preseason started tonight with Toronto at Hamilton. Tate Forcier made his TiCat debut starting the second half. Did not last long, after three two and out series he was pulled. It was the same Forcier that we had seen at M, trying to make something out of nothing which in the end cost him 3 incomplete passes and one interception, although he did have one nice run out the pocket for 7-8 yards. Liney the other qb vying for that 3rd string position with Tate was Dan LeFervour of CMU. He looked very impressive and could do well in this type of league. Another former M player on the Hamilton team is linebacker Shawn Crable. His name was mentioned a few times but it was not for making great plays. Just thought you guys would like to know.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Predictable for Forcier.

He was a great QB ..... only in his own mind ..... and, of course, his Dad's.

[lineygoblue]

If Tate Forcier is competing with Dan LeFevour for a QB position, then Forcier is doomed to ride the bench.

[geo weidl]

then Forcier is doomed to ride the bench.

Liney, there is no bench to ride, these two are fighting for the third/practice squad final spot.

[lineygoblue]

Then Forcier is going to be out of a job. Again.

[Mike]

I'm a little surprised that LeFevour isn't fighting for one of those final roster spots in the NFL. I remember he lit it up at the combine after he graduated then I never heard anything again.

[lineygoblue]

I think he got injured.

[WM Wolverine]

LeFevour's arm strength was marginal at best.

[lineygoblue]

That's probably why he's not in the NFL. But, he set all kinds of records at CMU.