After three tumultuous weeks, countless questionable decisions, one blown touchdown call, and even input from President Obama and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the NFL and the referees' union have reached a tentative contract agreement. Although the contract must still be ratified by the union's 121 members, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the officials will be back on the field beginning with tonight's game between the Ravens and Browns.
The contract ends a three-month lockout that led to replacement officials. Negotiations really began to heat up after a missed call cost the Packers a win on a Hail Mary pass in Seattle on Monday night. Obama and Romney were both quoted after Monday’s game calling for the referees to return
But the damage of the lockout continues off the field. The NFL has fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $50,000 for his conduct toward replacement officials. Belichick grabbed an official's arm at the end of Sunday night's game after the Ravens kicked a winning field goal.
Turning to baseball now, the Yankees and Orioles enjoyed lopsided victories, which keeps the Bombers 1 1/2 games ahead of the Birds in the American League East. The Yankees scored six times in the third inning to break open an 8-2 win at Minnesota. Curtis Granderson hit a two-run triple and Robinson Cano poked a two-run double during the third-inning rally.
The Orioles kept pace and ended a two-game skid by slamming a team record-tying seven homers in a 12-2 laugher against Toronto.
Tampa Bay made it seven straight wins, 4-2 yesterday in Boston. Alex Cobb left after holding the Red Sox to a run and three hits in five innings.
In the NL David Wright is the Mets' all-time hits leader after going 2-for-4 in a 6-0 shutout of Pittsburgh.
The Yanks are in Toronto tonight, the Mets host Pittsburgh this afternoon.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press