Another Lockout? NFL Hiring Replacement Refs

 Contract talks between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association have hit a snag as the previous CBA between the two has expired. As a result, the NFL has formulated a backup plan...replacement refs.

The league is currently hiring and training replacement refs from anywhere with the exception of BCS conference officials (because they are run by NFL officials). Other NCAA refs, Arena league football refs, and even retired refs are all being courted by the NFL at this time.

A similar lockout took place back in 2001 by the NFL Referees Association, as backup officials worked a preseason game and the first game of the regular season. Soon after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the two sides reached a new deal.

If no deal is reached by the start of the regular season, how big of an impact do you think replacement officials will have on the game? Sound off and let us know.