Chiefs, NFL officials blast referee conspiracy theories: ‘Insulting and preposterous’

The NFL and the Chiefs aren’t just responding to the perception of favoritism by officials, they’re fighting back.

NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green, a retired referee, called it “insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.”

The comments came a day after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called the idea of the league favoring the Chiefs “a ridiculous theory.”

The Chiefs meet the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

Claims that the Chiefs have benefited from unfair officiating were amplified during the playoffs when Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. suggested calls against his team factored into the Chiefs’ Divisional Round victory.

“We knew it was going to be us verses the refs going into this game,” said Anderson, who was fined $25,000 for his comment.

In the AFC Championship Game victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs made a defensive stand, stopping a sneak from quarterback Josh Allen on fourth-and-1. The play was reviewed and the ruling upheld, touching off protests on social media and keeping Kansas City squarely in the center of attention when it comes to questionable calls.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Tuesday the accusations come with the territory.

“I was asked whether it frustrates me and it really doesn’t because I’ve seen it in the NFL,” Hunt said. “I’ve seen it in other sports when a team has an extended run of success. Fans from other teams start looking for excuses, and they’ll say the refs are helping them win games. That’s crazy regardless of the sport.”

Chiefs players also have clapped back during Super Bowl LIX interview sessions. At his Opening Night news conference, Travis Kelce was asked what he would ask if the tables were turned and he could ask a question to reporters.

“If I could ask the media one question,” Kelce said. “Why are you guys leaning into this whole ref thing? You know what I mean? Like, why are you guys leaning into it?”

Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquil said the officiating conversation discredits the accomplishment of a team that’s appearing in its fifth Super Bowl in six seasons and seeking its third straight championship.

“I think it’s bananas,” Tranquil said. ”We’ve earned every bit of what we’ve gotten this year. We try to go out and execute. And we hope for the fairest of outcomes. We hope the refs make the best calls every single play, regardless of the team it’s for. We’re hoping for a clean game on Sunday, and we know we’re going to have to bring it against a good Eagles team.”

The Star’s Jesse Newell contributed to this story

This story was originally published February 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM.

Blair Kerkhoff

The Kansas City Star

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Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.