The guys in striped shirts.

The Footlocker guys.

The cheaters.

The zebras.

Referees have been called all of the above over the years, but last night they were cheered like heroes, as NFL referees officiated their first game after the NFLRA and the National Football League reached agreement ending the lockout which spawned the use of replacement officials, much to the consternation of fans.

At last night's Cleveland-Baltimore clash, Referee Gene Steratore and his crew received a standing ovation from the crowd in Baltimore.  The officials doffed their caps in acknowledgement.  The officials got another ovation when Steratore told the teams at the coin toss, "Good evening men.  It's good to be back."

And the game went according to plan, with little if any controversy.

Oh, by the way, Baltimore won 23-16

More From 103.3 The GOAT