On Tuesday, the NFL referees’ labor organization denounced “conspiracy theories” that officials have been slanting games in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has to confront the widespread and unfounded claims that referees are the bag for Kansas City this week as the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare for Sunday’s Super Bowl.
NFLRA executive director Scott Green stated that Commissioner Goodell’s remarks that it is absurd to assume that NFL officials are not making every effort to call the correct play are accurate.
During a regular season, officiating crews only work the same team twice. Hearing conspiracy theories that claim that 17 officiating crews, totaling 138 officials, are conspiring to support one team is offensive and absurd.
The union noted that “grades are the determining factor as to who receives postseason assignments” and that its members receive grades “every week, on every single play of each game.”
During a 17-game season, fans may be concerned about a variety of issues, including coaching choices, player ailments, the weather, and yes, even near misses on amazing plays by amazing athletes, Green added.
However, you can be sure that NFL officials are doing all in their power to officiate every play accurately on every down, both on the field and in the replay booth.
None of the 234 words in the union’s statement mentioned the “Chiefs” or “Kansas City.”
The context of its advisory, however, couldn’t have been more obvious: despite the fact that Kansas City has been receiving yellow flags for years, unfounded referee/Chiefs conspiracy theories are continuously being disseminated by internet warriors and meme makers.
Since taking over as the starting quarterback in the fall of 2018, Patrick Mahomes has guided Kansas City to three Super Bowl victories and an incredible 17-3 playoff run.
Additionally, Kansas City has only been given more penalty yards than the opposition three times in those 20 postseason games.
In the last 12 K.C. postseason games, the penalty tilt has been especially intense, with Chiefs opponents receiving more yellow flags 11 times and one tie. In 11 of the 12 games, K.C. opponents have suffered more penalty yardage.
Earlier this week, former Boston radio program host Rich Shertenlieb made fun of both Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce for the supposed zebra favoritism, which escalated the Chiefs/referees controversy.
“Patrick, you have had so many wonderful people help you win throughout your career,” Shertenlieb said to Mahomes. Who is your favorite referee, then?
After chuckling and saying, “That’s hilarious,” Mahomes launched into a standard defense of the referees, saying, “All the referees are great, man.” The referees are all excellent. They try their hardest. And we play the game the proper way out there.
When Shertenlieb said, “Travis, what do you love more?” Kelce appeared less amused.In the playoffs, is Taylor Swift or Phantom15-yardroughing the passer penalties?
“That’s a good question,” Kelce said, dismissing the trolling inquiry. Is there anyone else?