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NFL's Goodell: Referee Negotiations Slow, Accountability Needed

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that negotiations with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement are progressing slowly.
He emphasized the league's commitment to improving officiating and the potential to hire replacement officials.
Goodell acknowledged that while some full-time officials were hired previously, their performance did not significantly improve.
He reiterated the goal to boost accountability and performance among officials, noting there is always room for improvement.

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Story summary

The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that negotiations with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement are progressing slowly.
He emphasized the league's commitment to improving officiating and the potential to hire replacement officials.
Goodell acknowledged that while some full-time officials were hired previously, their performance did not significantly improve.
He reiterated the goal to boost accountability and performance among officials, noting there is always room for improvement.