NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the probability of using replacement officials in Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game during an appearance on “NFL AM” on Friday.

“Yes, we are prepared for that if necessary,” he said. “We obviously would like to get an agreement with our officials. We have a great deal of respect for them, and we’d like to get that done. We have our differences, not only economic differences, but differences of how we continue to improve NFL officiating.”

Goodell said the decision to begin training replacement refs for the 2012 season was made with the league’s best interest in mind.

“We made the decision back in the end of May when we couldn’t get an agreement that we would go ahead and start training replacement officials,” Goodell said. “I was with them in camp over the last couple of days, they’re excited. They are working hard to make sure they are ready for the season. We are going to make sure they are prepared and ready to go.”

Posted in: NFL Network  | comments  |