TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The president of the New Jersey Senate says he’s drafting a bill to ban replacement referees from NFL games and other professional sports in New Jersey, where the New York Giants and New York Jets both play.

Democrat Steve Sweeney, who’s been a longtime official in an ironworkers union, says the NFL’s replacement referees have “made a mockery of the sport” and increased the potential for injuries.

He also says substitute refs lower the quality of play and devalue fans’ tickets.

A spokesman for Sweeney says the bill will be introduced no earlier than next week.

There’s no word on whether Republican Gov. Chris Christie would sign the measure should it clear the Legislature.

The Giants and Jets both play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)