1st ref in Hall of Fame has to wait till ’11

Predictably, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has skipped over enshrining an official, despite the fact that baseball, basketball and hockey already have done so. In fact, while officials make the long list of nominees, they are routinely pared off the list as the field of semifinalists is announced. Officials

Boom! NFL names Madden special adviser to commish

John Madden John Madden's retirement from broadcasting was short-lived. No, he's not returning to the airwaves, but will work with the league in a consultant role. The league announced today that Madden, the former CBS/Fox/ABC/NBC color commentator and Raiders coach, was appointed as an unpaid adviser with the league.