NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday the public perception that the Kansas City Chiefs benefit from officiating is a “ridiculous theory” born on social media
“This sort of thing reminds me of the script, right, that I write a script, and I have the script for the entire season,” said Goodell, speaking with the media in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX. “Listen, I think from a lot of those theories are things that happen in social media, and they gain a new life. As you said [reporter], it’s not your theory but it’s out there. Nobody wants it to be their theory and so, I understand it. I think it reflects a lot of the fan’s passion and it’s also a reminder for us of how important officiating is.
“I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards. That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day, that’s something we always have to continue to work on how do we make our officiating better at all times.”
The subject of officiating and how much the Chiefs’ success is tied to favorable calls has long been a topic of discussion during their recent dominance. But there are several examples of questionable calls where the Chiefs benefitted, including in the AFC Championship Game victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Roger Goodell pushes back on theory referees favor Chiefs
With the Bills up 22-21, quarterback Josh Allen tried to convert a fourth down play, but was ruled short. And after review, he was still ruled short. However, many believed he got enough for a first down, including the broadcast team on CBS Sports. In the ensuing moments, the Chiefs promptly marched down the field. A Patrick Mahomes rushing touchdown gave them the lead at 29-22. While the Bills battled back and tied the game 29-29 after giving up a score, they eventually fell. The fourth down stop was one of the turning points of the contest.
Goodell praised television rules experts for helping casual fans explain the game better, but noted even those experts get it wrong sometimes.
“I think, as you know, every network has so-called officiating experts that have been officials on our field,” Goodell said. “And I think they’ve been helpful in trying to explain those rules. And I think we have been more transparent. When we make a mistake on the field we say it. We’re not afraid to do that.
“But there’s so many times where there’s confusion or they don’t understand the rule. And that includes people on television too. Don’t take it personally, Curt [Menefee]. And I think that’s something we continue to work on to communicate better, educate better, but also to use technology.”
The Chiefs are looking to win an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl this Sunday in a rematch from two years ago against the Philadelphia Eagles.