The next and last message they received from Dave Duerson was meant for them, their family and perhaps all of professional football. It was written in his hurried hand, repeating his text message in case it had not been received, and found in the South Florida condominium where he placed a gun to his chest and shot himself to death last Thursday. What they do know is that, they said, it brings them some solace in a sad and confusing time..We dealing with an NFL that locked out the players and said we going to stand firm on our position. I don any owner would be too upset about the deal that finally agreed to by both sides. This is an NFL that gambled on some low level referees, including the guy who makes the most important call last night, who has never had any professional experience..

The NFL locked out the regular officials in June and has been using replacements as the season enters its third full weekend. Many players, coaches and fans have been upset with what they