India, March 29 -- The NFL has moved to tighten control over its messaging as negotiations with game officials reach a critical stage, issuing a directive to all 32 teams not to publicly comment on the ongoing labor dispute. ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Sunday reported that the league has issued a memo, asking for 'sensitivity'.

In a memo recived by teams ahead of league meetings in Phoenix, the NFL emphasized the 'sensitivity' of current talks with the NFL Referees Association and barred coaches, executives, and general managers from speaking publicly about negotiations.

Behind that directive is a clear intent: Keep discussions contained internally and avoid fueling a public narrative battle while talks remain unresolved.

The l...