The NFL moved closer Monday to resolving two pressing issues--one that will put regular officials back on the field; the other that will preserve the 16-game season, at the expense of a wild-card weekend.
The league and its officials reached an agreement in their contract dispute, and are close to ending the lockout, during which the NFL used replacements. The Associated Press reported the story Monday afternoon, citing a league source, and The Times confirmed it later in the day.
A league spokesman declined to comment on the report, and agent Tom Condon, representing the officials, did not return phone calls.
The deal reportedly is the same one offered by the league--and rejected by the officials--Sept. 4. That called for a 50% raise this season.
It still must be ratified by the 119 officials. They are expected to vote by e-mail, a process that could finish by Wednesday morning. Assuming they accept the offer, regular officials will work this weekend's games.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who set aside last weekend's schedule because of last week's terrorist attacks, is expected to announce today that those games will be made up in early January. They will be played instead of the wild-card games, reducing the number of playoff teams from 12 to eight.
The anticipated plan has drawn varied reactions from coaches and players. Many want to preserve the sanctity of the full 16-game season, while others cringe at the thought of an already-selective playoff process getting even tougher.
"I think we have a pretty good playoff system the way it sits," said Philadelphia Coach Andy Reid, who prefers a modified 15-game schedule. "My initial thought is to continue on and don't disrupt the playoff system the way it is now."
Washington Coach Marty Schottenheimer is not so concerned, although his team, pounded by San Diego in the opener, is facing longer odds of reaching the playoffs than the Eagles.
"I don't know if [canceling the wild-card games] makes a lot of difference," he said. "Given the amount of time remaining in the season, whether we get eight teams or 12 [in the playoffs], we can get representative teams. The ground rules have been set early enough."
Because the league seems particularly balanced this season, narrowing the field of playoff contenders will leave some good teams out in the cold.
