Watch CBS News

Giants' Kiwanuka On Replacement Refs: Integrity Of NFL 'Has Been Compromised'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Week 1 wasn't so bad for the NFL's replacement officials.

Week 2? Now that's a different story.

A pair of Giants sounded off on Tuesday after a long weekend for the fill-in refs.

"There's no doubt the integrity of the game has been compromised (by) not having the regular officials out there," said Mathias Kiwanuka, according to the New York Daily News. "All I know is that we would all benefit from having the regular refs out there. We've got to get that taken care of."

The problems started Sunday, when the league pulled side judge Brian Stropolo, outed as an avid Saints fan, from the New Orleans-Carolina game.

On the field, confusion, delays and missed calls marred Week 2, culminating in a shaky Monday night performance that had the Twitterverse abuzz. Eagles running back LeSean McCoy added to the league's woes when he claimed one of the replacement referees prodded him to step it up for the sake of his fantasy team.

"I am not necessarily mad at the replacement officials," Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said. "I am more upset with the NFL for not handling this and taking care of this in due time."

Kiwanuka told Jim Rome last month that he's really more concerned with player safety -- a point he reiterated Tuesday.

"Now a holding call being missed here and there, that's not a big deal," Kiwanuka said, according to the Daily News. "But when you talk about defenseless players getting hit and that not being called after the emphasis they put on concussions, I don't think that is OK."

Will the replacement refs eventually turn you off to the NFL? Be heard in the comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.