NFL hires first female permanent ref

by **JMP** Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:21 pm

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484154/article/nfl-makes-sarah-thomas-first-fulltime-female-official

Sarah Thomas will become the first full-time female official in NFL history.

The league made the groundbreaking announcement Wednesday, promoting the 19-year veteran after eight years with Conference USA.

Thomas comes backed with a strong resume, having been the first female official to work a major collegiate bowl game. She joins eight other referees granted first-time employment for league games.

...

Thomas had been doing some sideline work for Browns, Saints and Colts minicamp practices in the past, but she truly made her name through a strong resume at the NCAA level.

I know this is historic and ultimately it should be a non-issue...but I have to admit: the idea of a woman being on a professional football field during a game is kinda weird!

by Birdmond Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:56 pm

Hopefully she's paid the same as men. Cool I'm digging it.

by **JMP** Wed Apr 08, 2015 5:02 pm

Birdmond wrote:Hopefully she's paid the same as men.

That's all the NFL needs...could you imagine if news came out that they were paying her less??? Damn, that would be ugly!

But yeah, it is definitely a cool thing.

by DolFan 316 Wed Apr 08, 2015 6:47 pm

Prediction: NFL is forced to pass a rule mid-season prohibiting sexist speech on the field.

She can't be worse than most of the male officials...

Sadly, I think this is Badell's idea of a PR move to counteract the whole "we think it's perfectly fine for players to beat women, they deserve it for bringing those darn purses to games!" league philosophy.

by **JMP** Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:50 pm

DolFan 316 wrote:Sadly, I think this is Badell's idea of a PR move to counteract the whole "we think it's perfectly fine for players to beat women, they deserve it for bringing those darn purses to games!" league philosophy.

I think that's exactly what it is...no question. It does sound like this new ref is deserving of the job, but ultimately I think the NFL is trying to improve their image.

by white1 Thu Apr 09, 2015 12:12 pm

I like the move, even with the obvious motivation behind it.

Also in this story was a very encouraging snippet about grading refs and trimming the bottom ranked tier on an annual basis. I did not know that happened, and maybe it is something relatively new - but I really am encouraged to read it. We all know some refs are totally not fit to make these calls. Hold them accountable and let them go if they suck.

by finskev Thu Apr 09, 2015 12:28 pm

I wonder if they run a Sweep to her side.

by Degarmo Thu Apr 09, 2015 2:20 pm

The day this kind of news isn't a big deal is the day that's important Wink

by Sponsored content

NFL hires first female permanent ref

NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref

Re: NFL hires first female permanent ref