A deal to resolve the NFL-NFLRA dispute "is not imminent," according to an official who got an e-mail from NFLRA negotiator Scott Green early this afternoon. The official claims Green "said we're making progress but not close to a deal right now." A league source shortly after noon today said that it was "doubtful the pension part of the labor deal had been finalized." But a compensation specialist was on hand yesterday and today for the talks, and another league source said that that is "a usual precursor to a deal" (SI.com, 9/26). ESPN's Chris Mortensen earlier today cited one source as saying that an "agreement in principle is at hand" (ESPN.com, 9/26).
Meanwhile, the NFL fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $50,000 "for his altercation with a replacement referee" following Sunday night's loss to the Ravens. Belichick was notified that he was fined for "impermissible physical contact with an official." He "grabbed the arm of an official on the way off the field" at the end of the game (BOSTONHERALD.com, 9/26). Belichick said, "It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 9/26).
Last night’s Top Ten list was “Top Ten Signs You’re A Bad Referee” (“Late Show,” CBS, 9/25).
10) “Every call you make begins with ‘Uhhh...’”
9) “Won't throw flag on field because you'd just have to pick it up”
8) “No one is entertained by the slide whistle sound effect”
7) “Can't believe how many players' autographs you're getting”
6) “Never sure how many balls should be in a play”
5) “Missed last three calls because beer vendor was slow giving you change”
4) “You've made six tackles and an interception”
3) “Two words: horizontal stripes”
2) “Every time you raise your arms, your pants fall down”
1) “You're hated everywhere but Seattle"
