The refs union calls the notion that they are supporting the Chiefs “insulting”

The NFL Referees Association issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing, after Roger Goodell rejected, the notion that the league’s officiating crews show respect to the Kansas City Chiefs, calling such notions “insulting and preposterous.”

NFLRA executive director Scott Green’s statement started out by expressing gratitude to the commissioner for his remarks on Monday “about our members’ unwavering dedication to fairness and maintaining the integrity of the game.”

The idea that the Chiefs, and more especially quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, receive preferential treatment when it comes to in-game penalties that are called—or not—is at issue.

Green, who is representing the referees’ union, undoubtedly has a different perspective on the matter.

“Officiating crews do not work the same team more than twice each regular season,” Green stated. “Hearing conspiracy rumors that 17 officiating crews, totaling 138 officials, are somehow banding together to support one side is offensive and absurd.

“NFL officials receive weekly grades based on each and every play in every game. The distribution of postseason assignments is based on these grades. The NFLRA applauds its members, who all work hard to achieve the same goal as the 32 NFL Teams: to be the best at their professions so they may work the season’s last game, the Super Bowl.”

When ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman responded in real time to a bad call against the Houston Texans for a late hit on Mahomes during the AFC divisional game, theories gained some traction. When two Texans players attempted a tackle, the scurrying quarterback not only gave up and slipped, but the teammates also threw themselves at one another without touching Mahomes.

Luka Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star guard, was formally unveiled as the Los Angeles Lakers’ newest player on Tuesday.

Aikman remarked, “I could not disagree with that one more,” “And he barely gets hit.”

During his State of the NFL press address on Monday, Goodell stated that the league is probably going to extend replay assistance to calls involving quarterback slips.

Green tried to persuade supporters that officials’ honesty was unquestionable, even when calls may be missed.

“Over a 17-game season, fans can worry about a lot of things,” Green stated, “including coaching choices, player injuries, the weather, and yes, even near misses on amazing plays by amazing athletes.” However, you can be confident that NFL officials are making every effort to officiate every play accurately on every down, both on the field and in the replay booth.”

When the Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Ron Torbert will serve as the chief referee. This is his second assignment for the Super Bowl.