ESPN.com · 23m
NFL reassigns backup referees to work games within driving distance
The NFL, in trying to avoid further travel issues stemming from the FAA ground stop on Friday, has adjusted its officiating assignments for domestic games in Week 10, reassigning officials to games within driving distance of their hometowns.
Airlines across the U.S. worked Saturday to recover from the longest nationwide ground stop in 25 years that canceled more than 2,000 flights, spread ripple effects around the world, stranded passengers and forced professional and college sports teams to scramble for alternate transportation.
The NFL's changes mean three backup referees -- umpires Barry Anderson and Duane Heydt and side judge Don Willard -- will work as referees on Sunday.
