NFL Refs Union Calls Allegations of Bias Toward Chiefs ‘Insulting’ and Preposterous
Union Head Responds to Claims of Favoritism
NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green released a statement on Tuesday, thanking Commissioner Roger Goodell for dismissing allegations of bias towards the Kansas City Chiefs or any other team.
Commissioner’s Comments
“Commissioner Goodell’s comments that it is ‘ridiculous’ to presume that NFL officials are not doing everything possible to make the right call on every play is spot on,” Green said. “Officiating crews do not work the same team more than twice each regular season. It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.”
High-Profile Calls
A handful of high-profile calls in the playoffs that have gone in Kansas City’s favor have fueled theories of favoritism, with Houston getting penalized for two illegal hits on Patrick Mahomes in the divisional round and Josh Allen being ruled just short of converting a fourth-and-1 sneak in Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game.
Statistics Show No Systematic Bias
However, a deeper look at all penalties shows no signs of systematic bias. The Chiefs have been penalized for 120 more yards than their opponents in the regular season and playoffs since the start of the 2022 playoffs.
Kansas City has also benefited from 10 fewer first downs by penalty on third or fourth down in that span and has had only a small edge in penalty-yard differential in the fourth quarter or overtime of close games.
Union’s Commitment to Fairness
“There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season, such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes,” Green said. “But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly.”
Conclusion
The NFL Referees Association stands by its officials, insisting that they are committed to fairness and impartiality in their work. The union’s statement serves as a reminder that the allegations of bias towards the Kansas City Chiefs are unfounded and baseless.
FAQs
* What did the NFL Referees Association say about allegations of bias towards the Kansas City Chiefs?
The union called the allegations “insulting and preposterous.”
* What did Commissioner Roger Goodell say about the allegations?
He dismissed them, saying it is “ridiculous” to presume that NFL officials are not doing everything possible to make the right call on every play.
* What have been some of the high-profile calls that have fueled theories of favoritism towards the Kansas City Chiefs?
Houston getting penalized for two illegal hits on Patrick Mahomes in the divisional round and Josh Allen being ruled just short of converting a fourth-and-1 sneak in Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game are examples of calls that have been cited as evidence of bias.
* Are there any statistics that suggest systematic bias towards the Kansas City Chiefs?
No, the Chiefs have been penalized for 120 more yards than their opponents in the regular season and playoffs since the start of the 2022 playoffs, and have had only a small edge in penalty-yard differential in the fourth quarter or overtime of close games.
