Replacement Refs Will Be Replaced, NFL and Referees Reach Agreement, Just In Time For This Weekend

So the NFL claims that the horrible Green Bay/Seattle call had nothing to do with the speed for which the agreement was reached, but both sides reporting they have come together and the refs will be back.

Here's what it says on the NFL website:

"The long-term future of our game requires that we seek improvement in every area, including officiating," Goodell said in a statement released by the league. "This agreement supports long-term reforms that will make officiating better. The teams, players and fans want and deserve both consistency and quality in officiating.

"We look forward to having the finest officials in sports back on the field, and I want to give a special thanks to NFL fans for their passion. Now it's time to put the focus back on the teams and players where it belongs."

Goodell temporarily lifted the lockout so officials can work Thursday night's game between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens (8 p.m. ET on NFL Network). Officials will vote on the agreement Friday and Saturday in Dallas, and a clinic for them will be held after the vote.

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