SmashMouth

The NFL confirmed to John Kryk of the Toronto Sun that the officials from Sunday's NFC championship game in New Orleans changed hotels following the Rams' 26-23 overtime win against the Saints.

The league told the Sun that the officials were moved due to "an abundance of caution," but Kryk reports people were harassing the crew on the phone and in person.

Kyrk reports that witnesses saw NFL security and at least one law-enforcement officer helped escort the crew from a bus to the front desk of their new hotel. The officials were initially staying in downtown New Orleans, but relocated to a suburban hotel.

Witnesses told Kyrk they saw one of the game officials—who was not referee Bill Vinovich—continually receiving harassing phone calls while in the hotel lobby. A sheriff ended up taking the phone from the official and told the caller to stop of face prosecution.

more here

dskyyksd

Of course nobody should be threatening them with physical harm, but blowing up their phones? Boo hoo. Reap what you sow.

neugey

It was the best call they'd made all day.

nola_swammi

The best thing would to just get in there car and carry their arse back to California and hope the hotel overnight their belongings

pinch

2 cops on motorcycles pushed through traffic heading East with a black SUV behind them. I knew it was the refs.

OldMaid

No way do I condone any violence. I even think people who managed to get calls through as wrong.

This is all more proof that the NFL knew the refs purposely missed making a call on that play. The NFL should have police escort for the refs. Had them pack up and put on a plane . A private one.
Back to Los Angeles. Where they live.

dskyyksd

I wonder if it was on loan from the Secret Service.

TheOak

The Refs were directed by the league to do what was done. That only makes them spineless.

Srgt. Hulka

Certainly somebody somewhere has a video of the refs leaving the field. I would like to see that.