The infamous conclusion of the Packers-Seahawks game on Sept. 24 was the straw the final straw for the NFL’s labor dispute for the professional referees on strike.

With no left time on the game clock, the two replacement referees stood above the dogpile of players in the end zone fighting for the ball. The two officials waved their hands signalling opposite outcomes of the game defining play. This play call would determine if the Seahawks would come back from behind to score on the final play or if the Packers would fend off the Seahawks.

The replay showed that MD Jennings of the Packers had possession of the ball, which would have won the game for the Packers. Instead the call went to the Seahawks, giving them the win.

Fans across the country were outraged. Even President Obama said the call was, “terrible.” By Friday, the NFL had come to an agreement with the official NFL referees.

Although the replacement referees didn’t live up to the standard of the original officials, fans of the league should be happy the 2012 NFL season even started. The 2011 NBA lockout shortened the season from 82 to 66 games. The NHL is currently locked out due to legal disagreements between the owners and the league.

The NFL referees earned a salary average of $149,000 in 2011. According to ESPN, the NFL and referees came to an eight-year agreement. The referees will earn an average of $173,000 in 2013. By 2019, they will earn an average salary of $205,000.

“I want to make sure the long term interest of the game is taken care of. There are short term pains ,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL.