NFL Replacement Referee To LeSean McCoy: “I Need You For My Fantasy Team”

With two weeks officially under the belt in the 2012 NFL regular season, there is one glaring fact that can't be denied. The replacement referees are definitely not winning. One was pulled from officiating a Saints game because he posted pics to his Facebook page tailgating for his favorite team - the Saints. Another ref received paychecks from the Seahawks for three years and was somehow allowed to work a Seahawks game.

Look, I'll admit - it's not their fault. It's the league's fault. Knowing the entire rule book, making the right calls and keeping the game under control is NOT an easy task. Normally, it takes YEARS to get to the level that we are used to seeing with the regular NFL officials.

But the latest facepalm-worthy story may have reached a new embarrassing low.

Philadelphia Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy was on a Philly radio station yesterday, and revealed that the replacement refs tend to be intimidated and influenced by the players and the crowds. He went on to say that the refs are more like contest winners, than actual professional NFL employees.

They're like fans, kind of though. I'll be honest, they're like fans. One of the refs was talking about his fantasy team, like ‘McCoy, come on, I need you for my fantasy [team].'

While we aren't 100% sure that a replacement official actually said that to LeSean or not, his statements do hold some weight. Deadspin pointed out that 14 of 16 home teams won their matchups this week. Homefield advantage? Or is it homefield replacement ref intimidation? I'll let you make that call.

For the record, fantasy football isn't specifically a no-no, but even though it isn't considered "betting," there is the possibility of big money being involved. If LeSean McCoy isn't exaggerating, check off another reason why replacement referees just simply are not winning right now.

Do you think the replacement referees' lack of experience is affecting the outcome of games?