Pete Morelli can’t hurt the Vikings (or anyone else) anymore

Since officiating and the city of New Orleans seem to be a hot topic today, this seems like as good a time as any to share this news with everyone. This story actually came out a couple days ago, but. . .well, we just hadn’t posted about it yet.

Two National Football League officials have announced their retirements. One of them is Walt Coleman, who most fans of the Minnesota Vikings probably know and don’t have any serious problems with.

The other one is Pete Morelli.

(And the choir yelled, “Finally!”)

As we all know, Morelli is famous. . .or infamous. . .among fans of the Vikings as being the head referee in the 2009 NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints. During that game, Saints defenders were allowed to get away with numerous late and illegal hits against Vikings’ quarterback Brett Favre as part of a scheme put together by Saints’ GM Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton, and defensive coordinator (and noted human colostomy bag) Gregggggggggggggggg Williams. He also called what was an absolute garbage pass interference penalty against Vikings’ linebacker Ben Leber in overtime that would have, likely, stopped a New Orleans drive.

Yes, we’re aware that the Vikings had numerous turnovers that night, but the league did feel compelled to send the purple a letter of apology following the game. Of course, that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee, am I right?

But, thankfully, Vikings fans won’t have to worry any longer about having to see Pete Morelli in any upcoming big games. I think we can all chalk that up as a positive.