Union asks NFL owners to end officials lockout
Replacement officials Robert Frazer #36, John Vachon #123, and Lemuel Hawkins #47 confer after throwing a penalty flag during a game between the Giants and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. (Sept. 20, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The NFL players' union has sent an open letter to team owners calling on the league to end the lockout of on-field officials.
The players hint that the lockout could violate the collective bargaining agreement that ended their own lockout last year, citing a lack of a safe working environment.
Domonique Foxworth, president of the NFL Players Association, Drew Brees and Scott Fujita are among the union members who signed the letter. They tell the owners that the lockout "has led to a deterioration of order, safety and integrity."
They also ask why Commissioner Roger Goodell issues suspensions and fines "in the name of player health and safety" while the regular officials the league entrusts to maintain health and safety are locked out.
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