{"id":19502,"date":"2025-01-22T22:26:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T22:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=19502"},"modified":"2025-01-22T22:26:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T22:26:25","slug":"patrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=19502","title":{"rendered":"Patrick Mahomes responds to NFL refereeing favoritism allegations after questionable penalties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Patrick Mahomes certainly has no reason to complain.<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs\u2019 three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback downplayed the prevailing public sentiment that he and his Kansas City teammates have routinely benefitted from a generous whistle from the referees, including during Saturday\u2019s Divisional Round win over the Texans.<\/p>\n<p>Mahomes induced two questionable 15-yard penalties during\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/18\/sports\/patrick-mahomes-travis-kelce-lead-chiefs-past-texans\/\">Saturday\u2019s 23-14 win<\/a>\u00a0that helped lead to 10 points spanning two drives.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/22\/sports\/patrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties\/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;sr_share=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=nypost&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawH-T2dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcz0DR9kGkp23f8qcFz1TpIyqBWXI1rl8kqcw8h96pNqY97G31iN7j3hRw_aem_4grRT4GbghPFpcIhUwScqA#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"1\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34642472\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png 1761w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=300,158 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=768,405 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=1024,540 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=1536,810 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=878,463 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=744,392 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=576,304 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=440,232 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=424,224 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=180,95 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=107,56 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=133,70 133w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=200,106 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=231,122 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=322,170 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=664,350 664w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=114,60 114w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=87,46 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=234,123 234w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=150,79 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.29\u202fAM.png?resize=50,26 50w\" alt=\"Will Anderson's hit on Mahomes that negated a third-down incompletion.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"540\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">4<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Will Anderson\u2019s hit on Mahomes that negated a third-down incompletion.<span class=\"credit\">@PatMcAfeeShow\/X<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"module module--follow-with-border module--precede-with-border wp-block-nypost-editor-protected-embed\">\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-0\" class=\"\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=MattEhalt&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1880735734661107818&amp;lang=en&amp;maxWidth=560px&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2025%2F01%2F22%2Fsports%2Fpatrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties%2F&amp;sessionId=8c8e6ee65aaefb955d7862a3aa42192fdfdeb25a&amp;siteScreenName=nypost&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-tweet-id=\"1880735734661107818\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>\u201cI\u2018ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, that something\u2019s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win, so\u00a0I don\u2019t really pay attention to it,\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/sports\/spt-columns-blogs\/for-petes-sake\/article298924355.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mahomes told 96.5 The Fan, as transcribed by The Kansas City Star<\/a>. \u201cI mean, obviously I\u2019ve been on both sides of it as far as how I felt the calls were made, but at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<div class=\"inline-module inline-module--more inline-module--more inline-module--trending inline-module--more--thirds\">\n<div class=\"inline-module__inner\">\n<p>\u201cAnd that\u2019s what decides the outcome. And obviously there was a call here or there that people didn\u2019t agree with, but at the same time, I think there was a lot of other plays that really decided the outcome of that football game.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Like the Patriots before them, fans are convinced that the league\u2019s dynasty team is receiving more than its fair share of generous calls from the zebras.<\/p>\n<p>Mahomes, in particular, is known to benefit from some of those 50-50 calls on hits that some have speculated would go uncalled against quarterbacks of lesser stature.<\/p>\n<p>Several Houston players even acknowledged that they believed they weren\u2019t playing just 11 vs. 11 while trying to take down the back-to-back champs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/22\/sports\/patrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties\/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;sr_share=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=nypost&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawH-T2dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcz0DR9kGkp23f8qcFz1TpIyqBWXI1rl8kqcw8h96pNqY97G31iN7j3hRw_aem_4grRT4GbghPFpcIhUwScqA#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"2\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34642474\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51%E2%80%AFAM.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png 609w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=278,300 278w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=545,589 545w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=459,496 459w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=576,622 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=440,475 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=261,282 261w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=180,194 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=66,71 66w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=65,70 65w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=185,200 185w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=231,250 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=322,348 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=300,324 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=408,441 408w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=56,60 56w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=54,58 54w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=144,156 144w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=150,162 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.33.51\u202fAM.png?resize=46,50 46w\" alt=\"Fans think the referees are favorable toward the Chiefs.\" width=\"546\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">4<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Fans think the referees are favorable toward the Chiefs.<span class=\"credit\">@PatMcAfeeShow\/X<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game,\u201d Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chron.com\/sports\/texans\/article\/chiefs-referees-mahomes-anderson-mixon-20043890.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">according to the Houston Chronicle<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Texans had reason to feel that way after two big calls went against them, the first a roughing the passer call against Anderson that wiped out a third-down incompletion.<\/p>\n<p>Anderson made slight contact with Mahomes\u2019 helmet while hitting him and after the ball had been released, but some wondered whether the referees could have let it go.<\/p>\n<p>NFL senior VP of officiating Walt Anderson said Sunday that the referees are \u201cprobably\u201d going to throw a flag if\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/20\/sports\/nfl-responds-to-backlash-over-controversial-patrick-mahomes-penalties\/\">any contact is made with the head<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The second call negated a first-down sack and led to an eventual Travis Kelce touchdown that gave the Chiefs a 20-12 lead in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/22\/sports\/patrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties\/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;sr_share=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=nypost&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawH-T2dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcz0DR9kGkp23f8qcFz1TpIyqBWXI1rl8kqcw8h96pNqY97G31iN7j3hRw_aem_4grRT4GbghPFpcIhUwScqA#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"3\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34642796\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 2636w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=2048,1365&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=878,585&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=744,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=720,480&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 720w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=576,384&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=457,305&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 457w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=440,293&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=424,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=389,260&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 389w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=360,240&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 360w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=340,227&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 340w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=320,213&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 320w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=314,209&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 314w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=306,204&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 306w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=280,187&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 280w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=260,174&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 260w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=246,164&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 246w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=107,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=93,62&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=84,56&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 84w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=105,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 105w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=600,400&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=150,100&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-patrick-96924460.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"The Texans voiced their complaints with the referees.\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">4<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>The Texans voiced their complaints with the referees.<span class=\"credit\">AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Texans believed they had sacked Mahomes at his own 30-yard line in a 13-12 game, but the referees flagged Houston for unnecessary roughness while he scrambled.<\/p>\n<p>The hit looked worse than it would prove to be, with two Texans defenders hitting one another while Mahomes avoided a vicious blow.<\/p>\n<p>Troy Aikman ripped the call on the broadcast, while ESPN rules expert Russell York said it should not have been penalized.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, come on \u2014 I mean, he\u2019s a runner,\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/18\/sports\/troy-aikman-fans-livid-over-penalty-on-patrick-mahomes-hit\/\">Aikman said.<\/a>\u00a0\u201cI could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/22\/sports\/patrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties\/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;sr_share=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=nypost&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawH-T2dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcz0DR9kGkp23f8qcFz1TpIyqBWXI1rl8kqcw8h96pNqY97G31iN7j3hRw_aem_4grRT4GbghPFpcIhUwScqA#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 4 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"4\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34642477\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png 1748w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=300,159 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=768,406 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=1024,542 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=1536,813 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=878,465 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=744,394 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=576,305 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=440,233 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=424,224 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=180,95 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=107,57 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=132,70 132w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=200,106 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=231,122 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=322,170 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=664,351 664w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=113,60 113w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=87,46 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=234,124 234w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=150,79 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-7.35.41\u202fAM.png?resize=50,26 50w\" alt=\"The Texans received a penalty on this hit.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"542\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">4<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>The Texans received a penalty on this hit.<span class=\"credit\">@PatMcAfeeShow\/X<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"module module--follow-with-border module--precede-with-border wp-block-nypost-editor-protected-embed\">\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-1\" class=\"\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=MattEhalt&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1880762104728445017&amp;lang=en&amp;maxWidth=560px&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2025%2F01%2F22%2Fsports%2Fpatrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties%2F&amp;sessionId=8c8e6ee65aaefb955d7862a3aa42192fdfdeb25a&amp;siteScreenName=nypost&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-tweet-id=\"1880762104728445017\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Chiefs took advantage of the flag to convert a field goal and take a 6-3 lead.<\/p>\n<p>Mahomes defended his actions on that play.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe one that everybody\u2019s talking about where I fell down, it\u2019s like I was just trying to get out of the way of getting smoked by the defensive lineman running in,\u201d he said, per The Kansas City Star. \u201cSo I\u2019ll try to keep doing that and not take those hits because that\u2019s the smart way to stay in the football game.\u201c<\/p>\n<p>While it would do Mahomes no favors to say the referees messed up on those calls, he did at least admit that he could have handled a particular fourth-quarter play better in which he is accused of flopping.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-nyp-editor-universal-promo\">\n<div class=\"universal-promo__inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mahomes slowed down while heading toward the sideline and then embellished after a defender connected with him, going to the ground.<\/p>\n<p>The referees did not flag that hit, though.<\/p>\n<div class=\"module module--follow-with-border module--precede-with-border wp-block-nypost-editor-protected-embed\">\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-2\" class=\"\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=MattEhalt&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-2&amp;features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1880763924108525898&amp;lang=en&amp;maxWidth=560px&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2025%2F01%2F22%2Fsports%2Fpatrick-mahomes-responds-to-nfl-refereeing-favoritism-allegations-after-questionable-penalties%2F&amp;sessionId=8c8e6ee65aaefb955d7862a3aa42192fdfdeb25a&amp;siteScreenName=nypost&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-tweet-id=\"1880763924108525898\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>\u201cI would say that the only one I felt like I probably did too much was the one on the sideline where I didn\u2019t get a flag and the ref saw it and didn\u2019t throw a flag, and I understood it immediately,\u201d Mahomes told the station, \u201cand know that I probably shouldn\u2019t have done that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mahomes and the Chiefs will try to secure their third straight Super Bowl appearance when they host the Bills in the AFC Championship game Sunday night.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/01\/20\/betting\/nfl-conference-championship-odds-commanders-eagles-bills-chiefs-lines\/\">Kansas City is a small favorite<\/a>\u00a0against MVP candidate Josh Allen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; Patrick Mahomes certainly has no reason to complain. The Chiefs\u2019 three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback downplayed the prevailing public sentiment that he and his Kansas City teammates have &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19502"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19504,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19502\/revisions\/19504"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}