Title: NFL fines Chiefs coach and quarterback for criticizing officials
The NFL has issued fines to both Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes for their comments criticizing officials after Sunday’s loss to the Bills.
Mahomes expressed frustration over a correct offensive offside call that wiped out a potential game-winning touchdown, saying “It’s tough to swallow. Not only from me, and football in general, to take away greatness like that, for a guy like Travis [Kelce] to make a play like that, you want to see the guys on the field decide the game.”
Reid also voiced his displeasure, stating “Usually I get a warning before something like that happens. A bit embarrassing in the National Football League for that to take place. . . . I didn’t have a protractor out there, but a bit embarrassing.”
The NFL has fined both Reid and Mahomes for their comments, but it is unclear what specific standard applies to fines for coaches and players. The league has previously stated that players will be fined for comments attacking the integrity of the officials, but it is unclear if Mahomes’ comments met that standard.
The controversy stems from a play in which receiver Kadarius Toney was clearly offside. While the only plausible complaint would be that he was lined up offside throughout the game, the officials did not intervene until the game was on the line, leading to suspicion from some observers. Regardless, both Reid and Mahomes have been fined for their public criticisms of the officiating.