As the Kansas City Chiefs get closer to their three-peat dream following their 23-14 win over the Houston Texans during the Divisional Round, the NFL‘s officiating team is facing backlash from fans for allegedly showing bias toward the Chiefs throughout the 2024 NFL season, especially during the Texans matchup.
Many fans, players, and analysts, including media personality Dave Portnoy, expressed frustration over the questionable calls made during this week’s game.
Dave Portnoy Calls Out Chiefs-Texans Referees Over Questionable Calls
While Patrick Mahomes and Co. were thrilled to win the important game on Jan. 18, most of the NFL world was unhappy with a couple of calls made during the game.
One controversial call came in the first quarter when Chiefs DB Bryan Cook executed a hip-drop tackle on Texans TE Dalton Schultz. A second occurred when Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. was flagged for roughing the passer on Mahomes.
Portnoy did not hesitate to share his honest thoughts about a third incident, an unnecessary roughness penalty he called a “disgusting” play, taking to social media to express his anger.
“This play here is one of the most disgusting plays I’ve ever seen. … Are you kidding me? He doesn’t give himself up. He’s scrambling, cuts back to the field, slides at the last minute, and they call this a flag? Put these refs in prison.
“This is your league, Roger Goodell. Nobody’s taking you seriously, you clown. That should be a penalty on Mahomes. He’s running around; he’s not giving himself up. … Why do we even watch this league? You disgusting puke.
THIS LEAGUE IS DISGUSTING!!!! @nflcommish pic.twitter.com/1o7ILksUxe
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) January 18, 2025
While some fans agreed with his take, many took the Chiefs’ side and defended the win.
“Does not matter, there is zero chance the Ravens will beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl…Zero. the NFL is the most predictable league on the planet…I called Ravens losing to KC 2 weeks ago,” one fan said, looping the Baltimore Ravens into the discussion.
“I stopped watching long ago, it is all fixed. Houston didn’t stand a chance,” another fan said, taking Portnoy’s side.
“They’ve got to protect the NFL golden boy,” another fan added.
“What’s Mahomes supposed to do there? He’s trying to make a play. Not his fault the Texans were undisciplined when making that tackle,” another fan suggested.
“The refs totally missed a helmet ln helmet on Goff on that pick 6. Calls are missed in every game both ways. Ultimately winners figure out a way to overcome and losers cry about the refs. We can always yell at the NFL to get the refs better,” another fan expressed in a neutral view.
While the game was controversial, the Chiefs are now headed to play their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game regardless.