Nov 23, 2020 - Sports

NFL makes history with all-Black officiating crew in Tampa

Rebecca Falconer

The first all-Black officiating crew works tonight’s football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium on November 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. — The first all-Black officiating crew works Monday's football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams' NFL game was officiated by an all-Black crew Monday night.

Why it matters: It's the first time in NFL history this has happened. It comes "55 years after Burl Toler became the first Black official in the NFL," the Rams noted in a statement. NFL football operations executive vice president Troy Vincent said in a statement, "This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game."

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NFL makes history with all-Black officiating crew in Tampa

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