Patrick Mahomes addresses flopping and referee favoritism allegations after outrage over penalties

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes found himself at the center of controversy following Saturday’s playoff game against the Houston Texans. The game saw two penalties assessed to Houston for hits on Mahomes that sparked heated debate among fans and players alike.

The first penalty came in the first quarter when Houston edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. was called for roughing the passer. Anderson appeared to push Mahomes in the chest after he had thrown an incomplete pass, resulting in a flag being thrown. The second penalty occurred in the third quarter during a Mahomes scramble, where he was hit by multiple defenders as he attempted to slide.

After the game, Houston players and head coach DeMeco Ryans criticized the referees for what they perceived as favorable calls towards the Chiefs. However, Mahomes addressed the backlash during an interview on 96.5 The Fan, stating that he doesn’t pay much attention to the criticism and believes that the outcome of the game was ultimately determined by the players on the field.

Head referee Clay Martin explained the calls to a pool reporter after the game, citing forcible contact to Mahomes’ face mask area and hairline as the reasons for the penalties. Despite the explanations, fans also directed criticism at Mahomes for appearing to “flop” intentionally after being lightly hit by Texans defenders in the fourth quarter. Even ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman weighed in, calling out Mahomes for the fall during the game.

During his interview, Mahomes acknowledged that he may have gone too far with the fall and admitted that he should have handled the situation differently. He emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary hits and expressed his commitment to staying in the game by making smart decisions on the field.

As the debate surrounding the officiating and Mahomes’ actions continues, the quarterback remains focused on leading his team to victory. Despite the controversy, Mahomes is determined to stay focused on the game and continue to make plays that will ultimately determine the outcome on the field.