In an unusual and unprecedented decision, the National Football League (NFL) has dismissed three game officials from its ranks but offered them positions in major college football conferences, according to a report by Ben Austro of Football Zebras. Traditionally, officials let go from the NFL have not been given such fallback opportunities, making this move a significant departure from past practices.
The three officials affected are second-year umpire James Carter, third-year line judge Robin DeLorenzo, and rookie down judge Robert Richeson. Carter previously served as an alternate official during last season’s wild card round due to a spate of injuries at the umpire position. DeLorenzo, however, had not qualified for a postseason assignment during her two seasons in the league, while Richeson, being in his first year, was not yet eligible for playoff duties.
