Texans’ Joe Mixon Rips NFL for Fining Him Over Something He Didn’t Say

Former wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh inadvertently got the Houston running back in trouble.

Andrew Beck, Joe Mixon and Xavier Hutchinson during the Texans' 23–14 divisional-round loss to the Chiefs on Jan. 18, 2025. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

On Saturday, former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was among many observers to rail—fairly or unfairly—against perceptions of officiating bias in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs," Houshmandzadeh wrote on social media during Kansas City's 23–14 win over the Houston Texans in an AFC divisional-round game. "These officials are (trash) & (biased)."

Here's where things get weird: on Wednesday, the NFL issued a fine for Houshmandzadeh's comment... to Texans running back Joe Mixon.

Mixon was stunned, and made his feelings known on social media.

"I’m getting fined by the (NFL) for what someone else said. What’s next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross checking an opponent on a (NHL) game!" he wrote.

Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are 🗑🗑🗑🗑 & bias

— T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@housh84) January 18, 2025

I’m getting fined by the @nfl for what someone else said. What’s next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross checking an opponent on a @nhl game! 🤦🏽‍♂️

— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) January 22, 2025

The three-game suspension Mixon alluded to of McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' star center, has made headlines across North America this week.

All told, Houshmandzadeh's comment cost Mixon $25,000.

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