The controversy and commotion from last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills has had the Kansas City Chiefs in the headlines for reasons outside of winning. Head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized the officiating, claiming that the line judge owed Kansas City a warning before calling offensive offsides on wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The penalty negated what would have been a go-ahead touchdown for the Chiefs late in the fourth quarter
According to Pro Football Talk, Reid and Mahomes were fined for their comments on the officiating at the end of the Chiefs’ 20-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Reid has been fined $100,000 for violating league rules prohibiting public criticism of game officials. At the same time, Mahomes has been hit with $50,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct for abusive, threatening or insulting language directed at officials, plus violating league rules prohibiting public criticism of officials.
Mahomes and Reid have, in recent press conferences, apologized for their comments, with the reigning league MVP taking accountability for his actions and losing his cool on the sideline. Reid has preached the importance of maintaining good communication and working relationships with the officials as he seeks to move forward and prepare for the Chiefs’ stretch run heading into the postseason.