NFL To Test Tablet-Based Replay System During Pro Bowl, Preseason

The NFL "will test having game officials use tablets for video reviews" during tonight's Pro Bowl at Univ. of Phoenix Stadium. Using the Microsoft tablets to determine if officials' calls were correct "could lead to eliminating referees’ going 'under the hood' for reviews." An NFL staff member "will wear a backpack containing wireless radios and will hold a tablet and headphones for reviews during the game." When a video review is needed, that staff member "will hold the tablet, and the referee John Parry will don the headphones." It is hoped that this "will speed the entire process" (AP, 1/24). The league "has promised to integrate its technology partners more into the game in part to provide better value for the deals they pay for" (ESPN.com, 1/24).