Report: NFL memo urges team silence on replacement officials

The NFL reportedly wants teams to be silent on replacement officials. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Mike Freeman of CBS Sports has revealed a memo sent from the NFL to its teams urging them to refrain from discussing replacement officials.

Freeman reports the memo includes one set of talking points for owners and a separate set for head coaches – if they just can’t keep their mouths shut.

Freeman believes the memo reveals much more than just a communications initiative:

The memo is important for two reasons. First, the league has expressed great confidence in the officials, but if they are confident, why not let team executives and coaches discuss them? Second, the tone of the memo indicates the NFL is ready to play the season, or a good chunk of it, with replacement officials which, to me, would be a huge mistake.