The Kansas City Chiefs have been the target of a prolonged smear campaign on social media sites recently, and the bellyaching among the team’s detractors seems to have reached a fever pitch this weekend.
To hear some fans tell it, the Chiefs are constant beneficiaries of perceived favoritism among the NFL’s referees, who always side with the defending Super Bowl champions—especially when it comes to roughing the passer penalties.
On Saturday, NFL insider Adam Schefter added fuel to the conspiratorial fire by posting a tweet that seemed to take a jab at Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Then, on Sunday morning, Schefter doubled down on the baseless narrative, posting a misleading statistic that—on its face—would lend credence to the perceived difference in officiating.
Penalties during Chiefs’ eight-game win streak in playoffs, via @PaulHembo:
Roughing the passer:
Chiefs (0)
Opponents (6)
Unnecessary roughness:
Chiefs (1)
Opponents (4) https://t.co/PyWZGslCi5— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2025
It is unclear whether Schefter actually believes the bizarre conspiracy, or if he is just trying to drive engagement on his social media channels.
Either way, many notable members of Chiefs Twitter gave their two cents about Schefter’s bogus narrative.
Take a look at what they had to say:
Top Reactions
I get why the anonymous account are feeding this: They get paid off of engagement & that’s their hustle.
But for @AdamSchefter, who makes *9M a year*, feed into this on arguably the single best day of football of the year, just to satisfy the algorithm, is a disservice to fans.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 26, 2025
It's RIGGED! https://t.co/R9cD35vb1I pic.twitter.com/wsHPbOgg00
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 26, 2025
If the Chiefs win today, they’re going to be beyond insufferable in the postgame and rightfully so.
Having legitimate media voices claiming their success is being handed to them is insane.
If the three-peat wasn’t enough motivation… boy, they have it now.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) January 26, 2025
You've already made your script clear. https://t.co/UfCzgEm7AC
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) January 26, 2025
C’mon Schefter, push that narrative a little bit harder https://t.co/xhjOn9IHTL pic.twitter.com/nJEYUExyJ1
— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) January 26, 2025
They will talk about the refs, don’t worry,
If the Bills win – cleanly officiated game.
If the Chiefs win – refs will be to blame. https://t.co/YUFpRwEphF— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) January 26, 2025
This is incredibly embarrassing for someone who commands zero respect. Almost every one of these the announcers say are clear penalties. The one that they don’t the NFL reviewed it and said it was a penalty.https://t.co/mhWFL1iWv6
It’s insane that someone in the league is… https://t.co/DHqHVSLrfA pic.twitter.com/56anBCT7BT
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) January 26, 2025