Los Angeles, CA – Are we ready for some football, well Black America who love sports will be tuning in tonight for a Week 11 match up being officiated by an all Black crew. This will be the first time for the NFL with the lights burning bright for the nation to see.
“Hope, Achievement, and Finally, ” said Tony Crittendon local Los Angeles Based Referee.
This night will be a historic milestone, with the all-Black officiating crew will work an NFL game but, the BIG Ten NCAA Conference already beat them to the punch. On October 24, 2020 on ABC in a game between Michigan @ Minnesota also with full black crew that also included Replay official, Communicator and the Timer.
So yes the NFL is still late to the party, in this case folks will still stand up a salute this effort.
“This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.” said Troy Vincent NFL VP of football operations.
The Los Angeles Rams led by a strong defense with Aaron Donald up front and Jalen Ramsey in the secondary looking to slow down the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Just as kids will be watching the players play the game, there will be Youth League, High School, Junior College, and College officials envisioning themselves in this game too.
“This is very aspiring for young black officials,” said Kevin Morris JUCO/ High School Referee.
White Hat (Referee) Jerome Boger will lead the crew. He’s a former Morehouse College quarterback in his 17th year as a league official. Boger worked Super Bowl XLVII in February 2013.
Monday night’s group will include umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.
The NFL typically assembles its 17 officiating crews prior to the season and works to keep them together for each game to promote cohesion and communication.
Four of the NFL’s 17 referee/crew chiefs are Black — Boger, Ron Torbert, Adrian Hill and Shawn Smith — a higher percentage than for NFL coaches or general managers. Two members of its three-man leadership team, senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron and senior vice president of officiating administration Perry Fewell, are minorities.
The NFL hired Burl Toler, the first Black official in any major sports league, in 1965.
“It will be a great to see a group of well qualified officials share this experience together,” said Quinton Givens Big Twelve Officials , “All of these official are generous with their time, have helped (and continue to help) many upcoming official; including myself.”
