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The NFL Referees Have Officially Responded To Chiefs Accusations

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The NFL is currently dealing with the reality that more than a few of its fans think the league is going out of its way to help the Kansas City Chiefs.

The idea that the league was "rigging" games for the Chiefs was something that existed before this postseason, but the outcries became louder after a couple of controversial calls in Kansas City's victories over the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills. In the latter game, the Chiefs were on the receiving end of a beneficial close spot on a 4th-and-1 sneak by the Bills' Josh Allen which was ruled to be short and a contested catch by Kansas City wide receiver Xavier Worthy that might have been incomplete.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell weighed in on the "rigged" accusations during his media session before Super Bowl 59 on Monday.

"It’s a ridiculous theory, for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day, it's something we might have to continue to work on," Goodell said.

Now, Scott Green, the executive director of the NFL Referees Association, has also commented on the matter, calling it "insulting and preposterous."

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 26: quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs talks to referee Clete Blakeman #34 prior to the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

“It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews, consisting of 138 officials, are colluding to assist one team," Green said in a statement.

Green and Goodell didn't mince words, but it's unlikely that this storyline is going anywhere, especially as the Chiefs keep winning.

Prior to the AFC Championship Game, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked if he thought his team was being favored by the refs.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 26: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 32-29 to win the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Jamie Squire/Getty Images

"I don't feel that way,'' Mahomes said. "At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can. And all you can do is go out there and play the game that you love as hard as you can and live with the results. ... I think that's what we preach here in Kansas City.

"You get new referees every year, you get new circumstances, and you never can really tell because every play's different and that's what makes the NFL so special. I feel like I've just continued to play the game, and I just try to win, and whatever happens kind of happens.''

With the Super Bowl just days away, prepare for the officiating to be extra scrutinized on Sunday.

If a close call or two goes in KC's favor, watch out.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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