The NFL has levied fines following the Chiefs’ game against the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City coach Andy Reid received a $100,000 fine for his comments regarding an offside penalty against Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney during Sunday’s 20-17 loss.
Additionally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 for violating rules against the use of abusive, threatening, or insulting language toward officials.
In the game, with the Chiefs trailing the Bills by three points and 1:25 left to play, Mahomes threw to tight end Travis Kelce at the Buffalo 49-yard line. Kelce then executed a backward pass to Toney while still far from the end zone, leading to Toney’s sprint down the sideline and giving Kansas City the lead with 1:12 remaining.
However, the down judge had raised a flag as soon as the ball was snapped, and the play was called back due to an offensive-offside penalty against Toney.
“It was a heck of a football game down to the end,” Reid said after the game. “I’m very disappointed with how it ended.” I never use any of this as an excuse, but in a big game, I usually get a heads-up before something like that happens. It’s a little embarrassing for that to happen in the National Football League. …
“Normally, you get a warning if it’s even close.” Normally, the head coach receives a warning, so I’m not sure. I wasn’t using a protractor, but it’s a little embarrassing.”
Mahomes also did not believe the infraction warranted a flag.
“It’s incredibly difficult to accept, not just for me but for the sport as a whole,” Mahomes expressed during his postgame press conference. “To nullify a moment of brilliance like that, where a player like Travis makes such a crucial play. Who’s to say what the outcome would’ve been? But I believe fans want the game decided by the athletes on the field.
“Officials are human, prone to errors. But it feels like every week, there’s something contentious.
“It’s about the timing of the call. It’s not just about me or my team. It’s about acknowledging the immense effort everyone invests in this game. To have a game’s fate decided by a flag in that critical moment — I’ve played seven years and never seen offensive offsides called in such a manner. It’s basic, something you learn in elementary school. You signal to the ref, go through the motions, and usually, it doesn’t lead to a call. And even if it does, there’s typically a warning. There was no such indication throughout the entire game. And then, they decide to make that call with just a minute left? It’s challenging, truly. I’m at a loss for words because it’s difficult.
“Regardless of the win or loss, it’s disheartening to see another game end with the focus on the officials rather than the essence of what we desire for the NFL and football.”
