Grieving takes many forms, especially when it comes to terrible sports moments. Some losses just hurt more than others, especially when bad officiating and the cruel nihilism that comes with liking the National Football League gets involved. For some, protests and public acts of rebellion can soften the blow.
Others, perhaps with more disposable cash, feel a meaningless lawsuit might help them cope with the Saints missing out on a trip to the Super Bowl. The blatant pass interference call that officials missed and influenced the Los Angeles Rams-New Orleans Saints NFC Championship Game in January has seen all of the above come up as a result. And now, the latest form of grieving has arrived: A comedy spec script.
According to NOLA.com, a feature-length comedy is in development that will revolve around the most talked-about officiating decision of the 2019 postseason.
Get The Ref! is reportedly the name in the works from a Hollywood-based company called Prior Military Productions according to a release from the company that spread on Thursday.
According to a news release from the West Hollywood-based outfit, “The Hangover” actor Ed Helms is in talks to play the lead role, with Danny DeVito in line to portray “a Cajun sheriff.”
Producers also hope to coax NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell — who was pilloried by fans and the media for his delayed response to the no-call — into making a cameo appearance in the film. They’re also planning to pepper the film with appearances by former and current NFL players.
“It’s all in good humor,” Prior Military Productions President Joanne Busch said in the news release.
As the name suggests, the company tries to to help disabled U.S. military veterans work with experienced crews in the entertainment industry. The script is also reportedly written by a former member of the military and tells the story of some fans who try to “exact revenge” on the official who blew the call and ultimately saw the Rams book a ticket to Super Bowl LIII in overtime.
“The script is hilarious, organic, original and caters to everyone,” Busch said in the release. “Lots of surprises in store.”
Hopefully the “revenge” is more hilarious than violent, as we have enough of the latter in the world these days. If the film happens and makes it to theaters, I can think of one state where it would be extremely popular.
