NFL Draft grades, unfiltered execs weigh in, plus latest on replacement refs

I usually jump at the chance to read whatever my colleague Michael Silver writes. His prose, storytelling and access are as impressive as they come.But I hesitated to read what he published today. It was the topic that scared me. It might scare you, too. Heck, it probably should.Replacement refs.You see, Michael … (or is it Mike, as he’s saved on my phone? I think he’s cool with Mike, but I can’t remember. I just texted him to check. Here’s that exchange, while I’m stalling to avoid talking about replacement refs:So there you have it. Straight from the award-winning writer who: Partied with Dennis Rodman, Was the first outside sports journalist to enter New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Joined John Elway on a hotel balcony after the QB’s MVP performance in Super Bowl XXXIII. All true, by the way. You can read about his career here. All I ask is that the next time you comment on how great his latest story is, you don’t refer to him as Michael or Mike. It’s now Chief.Advertisement