A Virginia resident, Mack Donahue, has initiated a Change.org petition urging football enthusiasts to boycott the NFL due to perceived officiating inconsistencies. The petition specifically highlights alleged preferential treatment towards the Kansas City Chiefs, a sentiment echoed by many fans throughout the season.
Donahue's petition calls for the implementation of stringent referee training and accountability measures to ensure impartiality in officiating. He expresses concern that the perceived bias is damaging the integrity of the game, prompting fans to consider boycotting not only the Super Bowl but also future games until significant changes are made.
The petition, launched recently, has garnered a modest number of signatures. Supporters have voiced their agreement in the comments section, citing specific instances of questionable calls that impacted the outcome of games. One commenter referenced a controversial fourth-quarter play in the Chiefs' victory over the Buffalo Bills where officials ruled Bills quarterback Josh Allen short of a first down, a call disputed by CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore. Another contentious call involved Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy's catch, which replays suggested may have touched the ground.
Similar officiating concerns arose during the Chiefs' divisional round win against the Houston Texans. Two roughing the passer penalties against the Texans for hits on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes drew criticism, with one call against edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. appearing particularly questionable. ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman even voiced his concerns about the officiating during the broadcast.
Mahomes, when questioned about the potential for preferential treatment, stated that referees strive for fairness and players must focus on the game itself. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce declined to comment on the officiating controversy. The upcoming Super Bowl features a rematch between the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Their previous Super Bowl encounter was also marked by a late-game penalty that proved decisive.
