It’s no surprise that the NFL has been the center of controversy when it comes to the latest events that have taken place. Two weeks into the new season, there have been numerous talks about the job the replacement referees have been doing. Needless to say, it’s not very good.

Many sports analysts have voiced their opinions about what they think of the referee’s performances. However, it’s also been taken to a new level with thousands of others using the likes of Twitter and Facebook to voice their own opinions. In this latest post, it won’t be any different.

First, let’s bring in a little bit of perspective. These replacement refs have been asked to do something that they literally were thrown into. They weren’t totally prepared for this kind of action on the original refs’ parts. They are trying the best they can in the situation they were given. Yes, most of them are former Division 1 college officials, but to ask them to officiate an NFL game, which is a whole different breed than what they were accustomed to, is asking for a lot.

As you can see, it’s really starting to take a toll here. Sure, it’s Week 3 now, but will they get it together after a couple more games? I don’t know if I can see that happening.

Now for those that don’t know what’s going on, here’s a little summary:

The original officials are currently on strike based on a deal that is not being reached between them and the NFL. The issue is mainly about collective bargaining. The officials want a contract that is fair for them and the NFL wants to go in another direction with the contract. Both parties won’t break and so at this time of this writing, a deal still hasn’t been reached.

All of this comes in the midst of the last year and a half in politics and in the educational sector where unions and collective bargaining have become a mainstream attention-grabber. Sports have definitely been hit with this as well, with the NFL and the NBA with lockouts in 2011 and now recently in 2012 with the current lockout of the NHL.

During this time of the replacement officials era, a number of games have been pointed out with controversy about their lack of proper execution when it comes to certain calls. Examples of this is from the last week, in the Dallas Cowboys/Seattle Seahawks game when a Cowboys defender was taken down hard by a Seahawks blocker. The block was deemed as a launch using the helmet above the chest, which would considered to some as a rough hit. No penalty was called. In the New York Giants/Tampa Bay Buccaneers contest, the Giants were lined up in a victory formation to run the clock out to win the game. The Buccaneers were lined up on defense to attempt to strip the ball away from Giants QB Eli Manning to cause a fumble and have a chance to score. Manning takes a knee, then gets pushed to the ground by Buccaneers defenders. No penalty was called again. And on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, in the Denver Broncos/Atlanta Falcons contest, there was 10 minute delay to determine if a fumble had occurred. This displeased the crowd, the coaches and even the TV announcers calling the game.

To echo what many around the country have been saying, the NFL has a serious problem with their referees. Commissioner Roger Goodell have publicly expressed his gratitude on the effort the officials have been doing. I’m here to say, he’s really showing face here. I believe he knows there’s a great problem on their shoulders and a lot of folks are complaining……….very loudly. The NFL has to step up their efforts to make things right with the originals to get them back on the football field where they belong. I don’t think the fans will start turning away from football. It’s too popular to turn away. It will just be very difficult to watch.

Taking a guess here, the only way the NFL will say they’ve had enough is when a popular team, such as the Packers, Patriots or Giants lose out on a huge game because of inept or missed calls made. The NFL needs to do the right thing, because the longer this goes on, the worse it will get. It’s not just a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN.

NFL, I really love your sport. Please, as a fan, reach a deal with the original referees and let’s move on from here. NOW.