Longtime NFL official, executive Riveron retires

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — NFL officiating chief Al Riveron, a Cuban who became the league's first Hispanic referee, is retiring Friday.

Riveron worked as an on-field official for nine years and became a member of the NFL's officiating staff in 2013.

He will be replaced by two of the league's senior vice president in officiating, Walter Anderson, a former referee, and Perry Fewell, a former coach.

“Al has been a tremendous advocate for officiating during his distinguished career," Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, said in a memo to staff. "We thank Al for his contributions to football and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

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