NFL and Referees Union End Lockout

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have accepted collective bargaining agreement that will end a lockout after three controversial weeks with replacement refs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

 The officials will take the field again starting Thursday night.

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"Our Board of Directors has unanimously approved taking this proposed CBA to the membership for a ratification vote," NFLRA's president Scott Green said in a joint statement with the NFL. "We are glad to be getting back on the field for this week's games." Added NFL commissioner Roger Goodell :"We appreciate the commitment of the NFLRA in working through the issues to reach this important agreement."The union originally went on strike while demanding better salaries and retirement benefits. There were also logistical issues involving part-time referees. As of now, the NFL has proposed a pension freeze and an improved 401 (k) match.

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The deal comes only a few days after Monday's contentious Green Bay Packers-Seattle Seahawks game, during which the Packers lost 14-12 because of a missed call. Two coaches were also fined on Wednesday for incidents involving officials during Sunday's New England Patriots-Baltimore Ravens game and the Washington Redskins-Cincinnati Bengals game.Are you happy the refs are returning?