Report: NFL fines Chiefs' Reid, Mahomes for criticism of officials
The NFL delivered a sizeable punishment to the Kansas City Chiefs following comments that were made in the aftermath of their Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Andy Reid was fined $100,000 for violating the league rules on public criticism of game officials, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 as a result of unsportsmanlike conduct for abusive, threatening, or insulting language to league officials, and violating the league's policy on criticism of officiating crews.
Reid criticized the officials after the game, saying that they usually give a warning to receivers if they're lined up incorrectly.
Officials ruled that Chiefs wideout Kadarius Toney was offside on a potential game-winning touchdown with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Kansas City was unable to sustain the subsequent drive and went on to lose 20-17.
Mahomes was visibly angry after the Chiefs' final offensive series. The reigning MVP shared his displeasure with the officiating crew in a discussion with opposing quarterback Josh Allen and in his postgame media availability.
Both Reid and Mahomes walked back their postgame comments in the days following the defeat.
"Obviously, you don't want to react that way," Mahomes said on Tuesday. "I care, man. I love it. I love this game, I love my teammates, I want to go out there and put everything on the line to win. But, obviously, can't do that. Can't be that way toward officials or, really, anybody in life."
The Chiefs will take on the New England Patriots on Sunday.