Quote:The NFL Vice President of Officiating apparently, according to the article....

 

“... met Stephen Jones, a member of the league’s Competition Committee, for dinner in Los Angeles,” King writes.  “After dinner, Jones suggested they get a drink. Blandino accepted.  They went to a bar and had a drink.  From there, Blandino parted ways with Jones and others in his party.”

 

So the League's VP of Officiating is having a private dinner, and drinks, with Stephen Jones. 

 

That article doesn't "clear it up" at all for me.   I think it smells.  

 

I don't think any official, or anyone whose judgments can affect the outcome of a game, should ever meet privately with an owner or anyone who has a vested interest interest in the outcome of a game. 

 

For me, this would represent the ethical ideal for a man in his position.

 

Absent that, knowledge that he would meet with representatives of every team in a similar manner and not allow any teams to have more or less influence than others would be okay.

 

The article here indicates he has met with every team like this.

 

I am uncertain if some teams do not wield more influence than others.

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