Lockout Over: NFL and Referees Strike Deal

Tonight might be the first time in the history of the NFL that the referees get a standing ovation.  The REAL refs will be back tonight in time for the Ravens and Browns game.

The NFL and the referees have struck an 8 year deal which keeps their current pension system in place until 2016 and offers a series of raises over the life of the contract.  The average official will make $205,000 by the year 2019.  The agreement is yet to be ratified by the union (that will happen tomorrow and Saturday), but one of the regular crews will be feeling the love tonight in Baltimore.  You have to wonder how long the honeymoon period will last.  I predict we'll be booing the real referees again in a matter of weeks.