The NFL's lockout with the referees is officially over as the sides came to an agreement late Wednesday. There were reports the sides could be nearing an agreement earlier in the day, but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello made it official Wednesday night.
Pleased to report that an agreement has been reached with the NFL Referees Association. Details to follow.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 27, 2012
The agreement ends a more-than-four-month-long ordeal that forced the league to use replacement officials for the first three regular-season games. Despite the lockout, the officials held their own training sessions and will be ready to take over this week when Week 4 action begins on Thursday.
The deal comes after a number of controversial calls by replacement officials sparked plenty of debate this week. According to a report from Pro Football Talk, the officials will receive a pay raise of four percent.