Chiefs HC Andy Reid, QB Patrick Mahomes hit with huge fines for criticizing referees

The Kansas City Chiefs were furious over an offensive offside call that negated what would have been a game-winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. The NFL does not take kindly to public criticism of its officials, especially when they get the call right.

As such, the NFL has fined both head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes significant amounts of money.

Reid was fined $100,000 for public criticism of the officials, while Mahomes was fined $50,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and public criticism of the officials.

The play in question came in the final minute when tight end Travis Kelce threw a lateral across the field to wide receiver Kadarius Toney who sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown. But the touchdown was negated because Toney was lined up offside. The Chiefs failed to score on the drive after the penalty.

Mahomes was seen berating the official who made the call on the sidelines, while both he and Reid were critical of the call after the game. Reid was especially mad that nobody warned Toney that he was lined up offside. 

The Chiefs' argument, however, was not only weak, it was downright embarrassing. Toney was clearly lined up across the line of scrimmage and he never checked with the line judge to confirm that he was lined up correctly. It is not the referee's job to warn a player, especially a veteran, that they are lined up offside. It is the bare minimum expectation of a player.

Frustration is boiling over for a Chiefs team that has lost four out of six games, has struggled all season on offense due to a lack of production from its wide receivers and is now facing the prospect of having to actually go on the road for playoff games.