Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid Fined for Criticizing Officials After Loss to Bills

The NFL has disciplined the Kansas City Chiefs duo for their comments about the pivotal offsides penalty in the team’s loss to Buffalo.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid made headlines following their Week 14 loss to the Bills after they both made comments critical of the officiating in the contest.

Mahomes, who had to be held back from officials in the closing seconds of the loss, and Reid were not happy with an offsides penalty called on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, a flag that nullified an amazing, improvised trick play by Travis Kelce that would have given the Chiefs the lead. 

The NFL responded to Mahomes’s actions and Reid’s comments by fining both of them Saturday. Reid was fined $100,000 for violating league rules that prohibit public criticism of officials, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Meanwhile, Mahomes was fined $50,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and for his public criticism of the referees, reports Schefter. 

An incensed Mahomes had words for the officials—and even Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen—in the heat of the moment. Mahomes remained angry about the penalty when he took the podium for his postgame press conference, calling the penalty “elementary school stuff,” while Reid said it was “embarrassing.” 

Mahomes later said he regretted the vulgar comment he made during his handshake with Allen, as well as his rant about the officiating.

There’s a lot for Kansas City, which has lost two consecutive games, to be frustrated about. But it’s likely Mahomes and Reid will have a better handle on their emotions should a similar scenario occur in the future.