NFL Referee Lockout: League's Stubbornness Serves as a Slap in Face to Fans

If you felt disrespected by the shield after watching Week 2's slate of NFL games, then you are not alone.

The NFL has been arrogant in dealing with the current referee lockout that has football fans across the country reevaluating what the league really stands for. 

Is it player safety? Is it bringing paying fans the best possible product? 

I hate to burst your bubble, NFL fans, but it seems the league has put making money and greed above all else in this case. And I can't say I'm shocked. 

Instead of ending the nonsense down on the field, paying the referees and moving on, the league chooses to jeopardize precious football games and Sunday get-togethers by putting the games' outcomes in the hands of under-qualified officials.

I'm hardly alone when I say that the NFL has damaged its image. But it doesn't seem to care. It would rather save a buck at the expense of the players and fans. 

It's nothing but a slap in the face to everyone that makes the business of pro football possible, including the real referees. 

This was Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on the current situation in the NFL with the replacement officials (via ESPN.com):

"

The time is now. How much longer are we going to keep going through this whole process?...It's not just this game, it's all across the league. And so if they want the league to have the same reputation it's always had, they'll address the problem. Get the regular referees in here and let the games play themselves out.

"

Lewis is right, and so is everyone else who has taken a fair shot at the NFL over the past few weeks. This lockout is silly, and even more senseless because of the fact that it doesn't need to be an issue.

It's unnecessary, an issue of pennies in terms of what the NFL is worth today.

Instead of talking about Peyton Manning's three first quarter interceptions on Monday night, or the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Baltimore Ravens despite turning the ball over four times last Sunday, we are discussing how those games were ruined by poor officiating.

Of course, we'll be tuning in again this weekend, and the NFL is well aware. Until the officiating drama turns fans off from the game completely, the NFL has little motivation to do the right thing in this case. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more NFL takes, reaction and analysis.