TRENTON — The president of the New Jersey Senate says he's drafting a bill to ban replacement referees from NFL games and other professional sports in New Jersey, where the New York Giants and New York Jets both play.
Democrat Steve Sweeney, who's been a longtime official in an ironworkers union, says the NFL's replacement referees have "made a mockery of the sport" and increased the potential for injuries.
Sweeney, who's a Green Bay Packers fan, also says substitute refs lower the quality of play and devalue fans' tickets.
The bill will not be introduced before next week.
A spokesman for Republican Gov. Chris Christie says he "can't say" whether Christie would sign the measure should it clear the Legislature.
The Giants and Jets both play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
