NFL Referee Lockout: League Shows Lack of Integrity by Blaming Refs

The NFL has had a rough couple of weeks as a result of the referee lockout.

Many people are blaming Roger Goodell for "not protecting the shield." The referees are making mistakes. However, it also needs to be acknowledged that owners, players and coaches are all responsible for what is going on. 

I would argue that the league lacks integrity right now not only because Goodell won't finalize a deal with the refs, but also because participants are not united during a time of struggle. 

Roger Goodell can't actually make a move on the contract with the referees without the consent of the owners. In retrospect, are the owners really considering the safety of their players and the integrity of the game? It is a question that must be asked.

If this deal is going to happen, the owners need to make a decision. They turn a blind eye because they can pay less and still get result. This decision is hurting the quality of the game.

Some players are showing many people a lack of class and integrity by getting into senseless scuffles and taking inappropriate shots at each other. They are disrespecting the brotherhood in the NFL, the code of the players. The last time I checked, they are a union, "united", yet they are out there trying to genuinely hurt each other.

They are becoming mildly aggressive with the officials. The media has continuously used the metaphor of the substitute teacher. Usually the students who misbehave when the substitute teacher is present are displaying a lack of integrity.

The coaches are also guilty of this matter as they are responsible for their players. The players actions are a reflection of the coach, and I have yet to see anyone get benched for a classless act. Also, the coaches themselves have been grabbing referees, yelling and disrespecting them.

The level of aggression that has been displayed should not be tolerated by any human being.

The referees are making mistakes. I am not ignoring that.

I am saying that everyone needs to look at themselves in the mirror. The integrity of the game is not solely in the hands of Roger Goodell. It belongs to every single person who signed a contract with the shield on their contract. There have only been a few fines that went out, and quite frankly, there needs to be some suspensions.

Gamesmanship is being lost. Where is the integrity from everyone? The lack of integrity is very evident through the ridiculous tweets that have been posted by players daily.

Mike McCarthy stood out positively after this weekend after he held the media to a high level of professionalism and class. He is preserving the integrity. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all participants in the NFL.

For the sake of the fans, have some class.