How NFL refs got off scot-free after controversial calls that benefited Chiefs

How NFL refs got off scot-free after controversial calls that benefited Chiefs

While there’s little, if anything, referee Clete Blakeman could’ve said after Sunday’s AFC Championship game to calm the sea of outrage engulfing NFL officials, it would’ve been nice to hear him at least try to explain the controversial calls that went the Chiefs’ way amid concern about favoritism toward Kansas City.

For a referee to be made available after a game, a pool report has to be requested by a member of the press in attendance. That did not happen during the Chiefs’ 32-29 home win over the Bills, according to Pro Football Talk.

Therefore, Blakeman was able to fly off into the Kansas City night without facing the music.

Referee Clete Blakeman. Getty Images
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (r.) talks to referee Clete Blakeman (34) before the AFC Championship game on Jan. 26, 2025. Getty Images

So he did not have to answer for the controversial turnover-on-downs call against the Bills when it appeared Josh Allen may have picked up a first down on a fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter while leading 22-21, a decision that was upheld upon review.

The Chiefs scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive to take a 29-22 lead.

Nor did Blakeman have to answer for awarding Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy a catch late in the first half on a 50-50 ball that looked like it hit the ground.

NFL fans were already fuming after the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were the beneficiaries of questionable calls during their win over the Texans in the divisional round.

That included an unnecessary roughness penalty against Houston when two of their players collided as Mahomes slid underneath them, with officials deeming there was contact to Mahomes.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the NFL could expand its replay ᴀssist system this offseason to include quarterback slides.

Schefter also noted in an X post that during the Chiefs’ eight-game playoff winning streak entering Sunday, Chiefs opponents had been called for six roughing-the-pᴀsser penalties while Kansas City had committed zero such infractions, and opponents had been flagged four times for unnecessary roughness against one such penalty against the Chiefs.

Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) and Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) fight for a ball in the first half on Jan. 26, 2025. Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Officials ruled that Bills quarterback Josh Allen did not pick up a first down on a fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter on Jan. 26, 2025. CBS

Ron Torbert will be the referee for Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans on Feb. 9, when the Chiefs will look to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls as they face the Eagles.

The Chiefs defeated the Eagles, 38-35, in the Super Bowl two years ago.

Related Posts

Steelers owner issues warning to Aaron Rodgers as their pursuit of quarterback drags on

Steelers owner issues warning to Aaron Rodgers as their pursuit of quarterback drags on

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II does not have unlimited patience for the team’s pursuit of free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Speaking with reporters at the ongoing NFL…

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Donald Trump White House visit hits a snag

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Donald Trump White House visit hits a snag

President Trump is keen to welcome the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs to the White House this summer but planning the visit isn’t simple for Chiefs owner Clark Hunt….

Andy Reid reveals major Travis Kelce offseason change after Chiefs star decided not to retire

Andy Reid reveals major Travis Kelce offseason change after Chiefs star decided not to retire

Travis Kelce decided not to retire following the Chiefs’ devastating loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl, and the тιԍнт end is now preparing for his…

Controversial Fox Sports host claims Taylor Swift is the reason he and Travis Kelce are no longer close friends

Controversial Fox Sports host claims Taylor Swift is the reason he and Travis Kelce are no longer close friends

Polarizing Fox Sports host Nick Wright claims his friendship with Travis Kelce has deteriorated ever since he started dating Taylor Swift. Kelce and Swift are still going…

Chiefs fans left stunned by Andy Reid’s shock offseason transformation

Chiefs fans left stunned by Andy Reid’s shock offseason transformation

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has left fans in disbelief after appearing to ditch his trademark mustache during the NFL offseason. In a stunning pH๏τo shared…

NFL announces major change to its Christmas Day schedule

NFL announces major change to its Christmas Day schedule

The NFL is going back to a Christmas Day tripleheader for the 2025 season, it has been reported. Last year, the league held two games on Wednesday,…