NFL Referees Association releases statement on ‘insulting, preposterous’ conspiracy theories of helping Chiefs

Throughout the Chiefs’ run of success, fans have been quick to claim that the referees make biased calls in favor of Kansas City. On Tuesday, the NFL Referees Association released a statement addressing these accusations.

“Commissioner Goodell’s comments that it is ‘ridiculous’ to presume that NFL Officials are not doing everything possible to make the right call on every play is spot on,” said Scott Green, executive director of the NFLRA. “Officiating crews do not work the same team more than twice each regular
season. It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.

“There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season, such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes,” Green continued. “But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL Officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly.”

The officials for Super Bowl LIX will be referee Ron Torbert, side judge Boris Cheek, umpire Mike Morton, down judge Max Causey, line judge Mark Stewart, field judge Mearl Robinson, back judge Jonah Monroe and replay official Kevin Brown. Torbert and Cheek are the only two officials who have previous Super Bowl experience.

This isn’t the first time that the NFL has been forced to respond to conspiracy theories regarding the Kansas City Chiefs and officials. Earlier this week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shot down the idea that the referees have a Chiefs bias.

“This sort of thing reminds me of the script, right, that I write a script, and I have the script for the entire season,” Goodell said. “Listen, I think from a lot of those theories are things that happen in social media, and they gain a new life. As you said [reporter], it’s not your theory but it’s out there. Nobody wants it to be their theory and so, I understand it. I think it reflects a lot of the fan’s passion and it’s also a reminder for us of how important officiating is. 

“I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards. That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day, that’s something we always have to continue to work on how do we make our officiating better at all times.”

The Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will square off in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on FOX.