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NFL Not Tolerating Teams Confronting Replacement Refs

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - The NFL has warned teams that it won't tolerate confrontational behavior toward replacement officials.

NFL.com said on Thursday night that senior league officials called owners, general managers and coaches from all 32 teams to tell them the game demands better on-field behavior toward replacement referees.

NFL executive vice president Ray Anderson singled out Monday night's game for having examples of "unacceptable behavior."

He didn't specify which incidents in the Atlanta Falcons' victory over the Denver Broncos crossed the line, but Broncos coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio both had heated arguments with replacement officials.

Anderson said, "We're not going to tolerate it."

He said flags, fines and suspensions are possible for coaches or players who crossed the line.

Former NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira joined Mike Francesa yesterday and called the treatment of replacement refs "worrisome."

LISTEN: Mike Pereira speaks with Mike Francesa about the replacement officials

The NFL locked out the regular officials in June and contract negotiations have broken down.

Should coaches and players back off the replacement refs?  Sound off below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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