NFL, NFLRA reach agreement
The NFL's regular officials are back at work after the league and the union reached a tentative 8-year agreement.
YNN's Kate McGowan spoke with football fans about the lift on the nearly four month lock out.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- It's game over for the NFL replacement officials.
The National Football League and the referees union reached a tentative contract agreement at midnight on Thursday, putting an end to the lockout of regular officials.
Back in June, replacements were brought on to officiate games, which caused a wave of frustration amongst the football world.
Commissioner Roger Goodell was at the table as both sides finished two days of talks. The tentative deal still has to be ratified by the referee's union.
"I'm glad. It's good to have the original refs back because they know what they're doing. Those who filled in didn't do a bad job but now it's going to be better," said a Bills fan.
Football fanatics everywhere are reacting to the lift on the lock out.
Another Bills fan said, "The players are concerned over the safety issues from the replacement refs, so I feel everyone will be happier now that the real refs are back."
"They weren't too bad, I was surprised, really. I thought they made some goofy calls but what do I know?"
Players throughout the NFL commented on their Twitter pages about the late night deal.
Bills wide receiver, David Nelson tweeted, "Great news about the Refs being back. Now the focus can go back to being about the Coaches and the Players."
And Bills running back, CJ Spiller tweeted, "Welcome back REFS. Glad y'all was able to get a deal done but thanks to replacement refs 4 trying their best given da circumstances."
The union was seeking improved salaries and retirement benefits.
The agreement that was reached adds a pay bump from about $150,000 per year to nearly $175,000 dollars per year. It also allows the NFL to hire additional officials on a year-round basis.
Many now wonder if the agreement reached can satisfy football fans.
"Fans will stop complaining when the Bills win the Superbowl, that's when fans will stop complaining in this area," joked one football fan.