Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has faced backlash on social media after denying claims of the conspiracy that the referees are cheating to help them win.
Clark Hunt Breaks Silence on Officiating Controversy Ahead of Super Bowl 59
On Super Bowl media day, Hunt sat down with NFL Network and discussed all things related to the big game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This sit-down happened to include the most-talked-about topic in the 2024-25 NFL playoffs, the Chiefs’ officiating controversy.
When asked about it, Hunt said, “There’s definitely no conspiracy, right? It’s the nature of the game. And when you start having a lot of success, people like to start making excuses for why you’re having the success.”
“There’s definitely no conspiracy, right? It’s the nature of the game. And when you start having a lot of success, people like to start making excuses for why you’re having the success.”
Our chat with #Chiefs owner Clark Hunt tonight on The Insiders @nflnetwork: pic.twitter.com/4ZyoxdxmYm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 4, 2025
This post led to backlash from NFL fans on social media as some disagreed heavily with Hunt’s perspective on these claims with one fan saying, “If you have to keep saying there’s no conspiracy, then there’s probably a conspiracy.”
If you have to keep saying there’s no conspiracy then there’s probably a conspiracy
— Chris Ferland 🐝 (@chris_ferland) February 4, 2025
Another fan added, “It’s been obvious there are favorable calls for Mahomes in big moments for a while now.”
One fan even said, “They act as if we’re all blind.”
They act as if we're all blind.
— Mr. Uncle Tim (@MrUncleTim) February 4, 2025
Another fan pointed out that other teams who saw similar success didn’t receive the same treatment, saying, “I’ve lived through many dynasties. The [San Francisco] 49ers, [Dallas] Cowboys, [New England] Patriots. No one ever accused the refs of rigging games. This is different.”
I’ve lived through many dynasties. The 49ers, Cowboys, Patriots. No one ever accused the refs of rigging games. This is different.
— Bills Mafia Rochester (@BillsMafiaRoc) February 4, 2025
While Hunt was only trying to put the claims to rest, it’s clear he only added more fuel to the fire.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Speaks Out on Rigging Accusations
Many of these claims have stemmed from plays that involve star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, including a questionable roughing-the-passer penalty in the Divisional Round. However, there was also a controversial play in the AFC Championship when a late Xavier Worthy play was ruled a catch. This has led many fans to claim that the NFL is rigged in favor of Kansas City.
Goodell on officials favoring Chiefs: “This reminds me of the script that I write for entire season. A lot of those theories happen in social media and get a new life. No wants it to be their theory but it reflects the fans passions”. @PFN365
— David Bearman (@DavidBearmanPFN) February 3, 2025
This has been a huge issue on social media, as fans have been livid with the officiating in these playoffs. However, Goodell finally broke his silence on the subject, saying, “It sort of reminds me a little bit of ‘the script’ … a lot of those theories are things that happen on social media. … It’s a ridiculous theory, for anyone who might take it seriously.”
Goodell led off with a joke about how people think he has a “script” for the entire season, which is, to put it simply, impossible to do. He then went on to call these claims “ridiculous” and praise the officials in the NFL, saying, “I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards.”
Goodell says any theory of the Chiefs benefiting from preferential calls from officials is “ridiculous” and the league officiating is “outstanding.” pic.twitter.com/y5jVXQsKHu
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 3, 2025