The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to make history in the NFL. Their recent 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship not only secured their spot in the Super Bowl but also positioned them to become the first team in league history to win three consecutive Super Bowls if they can defeat the Philadelphia Eagles. However, one of their key players is facing off-the-field distractions.
After quarterback Patrick Mahomes scored a 1-yard touchdown against the Bills, tight end Travis Kelce engaged in a verbal spat with Bills safeties Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop. This escalated when Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips head-butted Kelce, resulting in a 15-yard penalty for Phillips due to unnecessary roughness, along with a $6,722 fine. The NFL later imposed an additional $11,255 fine on Kelce for taunting, as reported by Pro Football Talk, just as the Chiefs prepare for the Super Bowl. Fans have shared their reactions on social media.
“Did they fine the officials? They decided the outcome. Mills Lane was a hof boxing referee. He said, If you didn’t notice me in the ring during a fight I did my job,” commented one fan on Twitter. Another said, “I hope there’s no flags in SB so this rigged narrative can end and people will realize how good the Chiefs are.” There were also sarcastic takes, like one fan who noted, “Fined but not penalized.. makes sense,” and another who remarked, “Should have been a penalty but it’s the Chiefs so the refs look away.” It will be interesting to see how the referees treat Kansas City in the upcoming Super Bowl.
