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Report: NFL hits Texans RB Joe Mixon with huge fine for criticizing refs over quote he never gave

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•about 14 hours•

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Joe Mixon (1)
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The NFL has fined Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon for something he did not say. Mixon was fined $25,000 for allegedly attacking officials after the Texans’ playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The NFL believes Mixon said, “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are trash and bias.” Mixon didn’t say that as the quote is from a social media post included in a Sports Illustrated article about Mixon’s thoughts on the officials.

“Everybody know how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs hands. The whole world see, man,” Mixon told reporters after the game.

The quote Mixon was fined for came from former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh who shared his thoughts on the officiating on X.

Joe Mixon reacted to the NFL fining him. “I’m getting fined by the NFL for what someone else said,” he wrote on X. “What’s next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross checking an opponent on a NHL game!” In another post, Mixon wrote, “& really tried to fine me 4 the max that’s mind blowing… smh.”

Joe Mixon will ‘defend and appeal’ fine

Mixon’s agent, Peter Schaffer, told Florio, that the star running back will “defend and appeal” the fine and “will explore all other legal avenues to rectify this situation.” Florio also mentioned that Mixon’s actual quote was not mentioned in the fine letter.

Despite the fine and the loss to the Chiefs, Mixon had a strong 2024 season. He joined the Texans during the offseason via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career. In 14 regular season games, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries. He also caught 36 passes for 309 yards and one score.

“Joe has been amazing,” Texans quarterback CJ Stroud said, per the Texans’ official website. “He’s been somebody who came in and taught guys how to win more. We won some games last year but he taught guys what it takes to get to that goal. We’re not there yet, but we’re taking strides. Every team goes through adversity throughout the year.”