YAHOO SPORTS' Charles Robinson cited sources as saying that the NFL is "attempting to force Colin Kaepernick's collusion case against the league to a close." Sources said that the league has "requested arbitrator Stephen Burbank provide a summary judgement in the case." The request "puts the future of the case in the hands of Burbank, who now must determine whether Kaepernick's legal team has uncovered sufficient evidence to continue" his action against the league. If Burbank "rules Kaepernick's attorneys have found evidence to move toward a hearing, the case will continue, possibly with additional depositions." If Burbank "finds that the evidence is "insufficient to advance, he can dismiss the case in favor of the NFL" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/2).
WHISTLE BLOWERS WANTED: In Boston, Ben Volin wrote the moves by NBC, CBS and ESPN to hire former NFL referees Terry McAulay, Gene Steratore and Jeff Triplette, respectively, as rules analysts, were "great for the networks, but another tough blow for NFL officiating." These latest moves "make four longtime referees who have left the NFL this year," after Ed Hochuli retired after last season. Bringing "young blood into the officiating ranks certainly isn't a bad thing, but there is a noticeable amount of turnover and lack of experience." This could "prove to be a challenge this fall as the NFL looks to institute tricky and controversial issues" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/1). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio wrote the referee turnover "comes at a time when there will be more pressure than ever on NFL officials." The NFL will "need to get the referee replacements up to speed quickly" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 6/30).
THREAD COUNT: THE MMQB's Albert Breer wrote the NFL is "relaxing" its uniform policy to where teams will now "be able to wear their alternates/throwbacks or color rush jerseys on three occasions during the season." The rule used to be that teams "could only wear the former twice" (SI.com, 7/2).
