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SAN FRANCISCO – NFL referees are under the biggest microscope they’ve ever been. With cameras from all angles and the slowest possible movements, it’s pretty easy to criticize the cop from the couch.
But Rob Gronkowski, who watches plenty of football as part of “NFL on FOX,” believes the league needs to do something to increase the quality of calls.
‘Officiating has been up in the air. I don’t want to sit here and really criticize judging because it’s really hard. It’s really hard to do that. It’s a split second. You have to call, throw a penalty flag and remember what you saw right there on the spot. So it’s tough,” Gronkowski told Pakinomist Digital on the radio show.
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Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots argues with referee Mike Weatherford after receiving a penalty for his late hit on Tre’Davious White of the Buffalo Bills during the NFL game at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Gronkowski’s solution is one you might not even know is a fact.
“I think it should work as an official, they should be paid really well and compensated well and they should be full-time. From what I’m hearing, they’re not full-time and they have other jobs as well. It makes absolutely no sense,” Gronkowski said firmly.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski argues his case to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, and a referee on the field after an altercation. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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“This is a multi-billion dollar industry. These officials have to be paid big dollars, but they also have to put in the time and work 24/7 all year long. Yes, they can have a little time off in the summer, but they have to be around the football game all the time. And I think it will help, you know, the game is called in a better way, but I absolutely want to have been terrible, but there’s something that’s terrible. and it’s very inconsistent… It has to stop, and I think it would stop, you know if they are full time.”
The officials found themselves in the spotlight earlier in the postseason during the Denver Broncos-Buffalo Bills divisional round matchup. Brandin Cooks had a ball stripped from him by Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillan after he appeared to complete the catch. The refs ruled it an interception that took the ball away from the Bills. Buffalo was called for two defensive flags on Denver’s ensuing drive.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Goodell defended officials during his press conference before Super Bowl LX on Monday.
“I’m so amazed at how good our officials are. We spend time all week looking at different angles and still discussing it a week later. These guys have to make a split-second decision and the men and women on our field are incredible. I think they’ve proven time and time again that they’re really great at what they do,” he said.
“On the other hand, it’s a difficult sport to judge. It’s fast. It’s fast. And we have to be able to use technology, in my opinion, to try to prevent the obvious mistakes. Now they’re not all obvious. I think depending on what team you’re for, they’re obvious in your eyes potentially. But at the end of the day, we see if we need an obvious mistake, then I think technology can help.”
Shawn Smith has been named the manager of Super Bowl LX on Sunday, marking his first time leading a crew in the big game.
