Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

NFL Host Admits AFC Championship Game Refs Were A 'Disgrace'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Jan 28, 2025 11:22 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to defeat the Buffalo Bills in Sunday's AFC Championship game, but their victory did not come without controversy.

A fourth-down play in the fourth quarter resulted in Kansas City getting the ball back after a turnover on downs, despite Bills quarterback Josh Allen appearing to cross the marker for a new set of downs.

Fans were in disbelief over what appeared to be another missed call in a game involving the Chiefs, and one NFL radio host expressed his disgust over the situation this week.

“Refereeing in that game yesterday was a damn disgrace. And if you don’t think that impacted who’s going to the Super Bowl I don’t know what to tell you,” said SiriusXM's Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio.

"If you're a Buffalo fan...the referees on two particular plays doomed your Football team."@AdamSchein says the officiating in the Bills / Chiefs game was a complete disgrace.

https://t.co/jP0HFpFutU
️ https://t.co/YSXEJxNd65 pic.twitter.com/YuVZYxcQq4
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) January 27, 2025

“The referees on two particular plays doomed your football team. Absolutely doomed it. Fourth and 1, Kansas City 41, there’s 13 minutes to go. Josh Allen quarterback sneak and he got it. Half of his damn body is over the line of scrimmage."

Schein also said that the officials gave Buffalo a bad spot before the play, making it even more difficult to convert on the quarterback sneak. He then mentioned the CBS broadcasting crew for their tendency to agree with the decisions of officials, even when there's evidence to suggest that a call was incorrect.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks with referee Carl Cheffers #51 before the first play of the game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)David Eulitt/Getty Images

"Gene Steratore who is the absolute best in the history of any official turned television analyst when it comes to telling you what’s right and what’s wrong, Gene, who does not want to criticize the officials but always says exactly what he sees, of course it’s a first down," Schein said, referencing the CBS rules analyst.

"It wasn’t even close! Jim Nantz, who doesn’t want to rip the officials, of course it’s a first down! Jim. Nantz. Hello, friends! Jim Nantz thought it was a first down! He’s not looking for enemies! His whole thing is hello friends."

The Chiefs may not be America's favorite team after another close, controversial win, but they will be playing in the Super Bowl in two weeks against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fans can tune into the game live from New Orleans on Sunday, February 9 at 6:30 PM ET on FOX.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: