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NFL Benches Replacement Ref From Saints-Panthers Game; No Word On Whether Ref Will Now Tailgate

The NFL has just pulled side judge Brian Stropolo, one of the many beloved replacement refs working the sidelines this season, from officiating today’s game between New Orleans and Carolina after learning that Stropolo is actually a Saints fan. How much of a Saints fan is he? He’s already tailgated once this year, a preseason game on August 25th.

Apparently, the NFL learned about Stropolo’s affinity for the Saints from his Facebook page. From ESPN’s Chris Mortensen:

[Stropolo] posted on Sept. 5: “Thanks to everyone for all the support. The crew did a great job tonight. Next stop September 16th at Carolina vs the Saints.”

Stropolo’s status update drew 73 “likes” and comments such as “Hey, now be nice with those yellow flags for our Saints!!” and “That’s awesome you get to be an official for a Saints game! I didn’t think they would let you since your (sic) from Louisiana.”

To be fair, good for the NFL for just recognizing the conflict of interest and dealing with it accordingly without a big to-do. I could never imagine this happening as quietly in, say, the NBA, where commissioner David Stern would more likely deny any referee even likes basketball as a sport, let alone roots for an actual team, and would quietly invite those in question for a free viewing of where the bodies are buried.

[ESPN]

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