Union workers return to the job, 50,000 stand and cheer

[Scuba]

From NBCWashington...


Fans Give Refs Standing Ovation in NFL Return

"To just be applauded by 50,000 people prior to anything happening, it was something that kind of chokes you up," referee Gene Steratore says.

http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/654*368/AP307167181260.jpg

Cheered from the moment they walked onto the field and given a standing ovation, the men in stripes ran a smooth and efficient game Thursday night as the NFL's lockout of officials came to an end with the Baltimore Ravens' 23-16 win over the Browns.

"To just be applauded by 50,000 people prior to anything happening, it was something that kind of chokes you up," Steratore said. "It was a very special feeling."

...


"It was great to have those guys back," Ravens running back Ray Rice said. "It looked like they knew what they were doing."

This is an interesting event, with football fans of all stripe siding with the union referees. Hopefully a few minds were opened about "union thugs".

[monmouth]

1. How nice it would be for teachers unions to receive the same appreciation..n/t

[Scuba]

2. Yes, and other public employees, autoworkers, electricians, plumbers, etc.

[monmouth]

5. Yes, indeed. I'm happy for the fans but the priorities in this country make me ill..n/t

[backscatter712]

3. I'd love to be a fly on the wall during that last negotiation between the union and the NFL execs...

Oh, you want to let us back in now?

You need referees who are actually trained, skilled and experienced?

How much you got?

[Alduin]

4. It annoys me that people support unions only when it's involved in things they like...

like the competent referees coming back to work, or when the NFL started late. Nobody cares when teachers strike or when factory workers walk the picket lines.

I hate being in a sports-centric culture.