NFL Reissues Fine for Joe Mixon Over Criticizing Officiating
The NFL has decided to reissue a fine to Texans running back Joe Mixon after initially penalizing him for something he didn’t say about the officiating in Saturday’s playoff game against the Chiefs. The fine has now been updated to reflect his actual words.
The Correct Fine and Quote
Mixon was fined $25,000 for saying, “Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it in the refs’ hands. The whole world see, man.” These words were the basis for the revised fine.
Initially, the fine letter referenced a quote from former Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, not Mixon’s actual statement. The incorrect quote was, “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are trash and bias.”
NFL’s Rule on Criticizing Officiating
The NFL has a rule that prevents players and coaches from publicly criticizing officials, as it could damage the integrity and public trust in the game.
However, the league’s attempt to fine Mixon for something he didn’t say has drawn attention to the officiating in the game, especially regarding some controversial calls. For example, ESPN’s Troy Aikman criticized a late slide by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which resulted in a penalty for unnecessary roughness against the Texans.
Troy Aikman’s Criticism
Aikman, during a broadcast watched by over 30 million people, said, “Come on, he’s a runner, and I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit. That’s the second penalty now that’s been called against the Texans.”
While the NFL cannot fine Aikman because he is not part of a team, they may have spoken to his bosses about his comments.
Mixed Messaging from the NFL
In the end, the NFL’s decision to fine Mixon for something he didn’t say, followed by a fine for the less controversial comment he actually made, has drawn attention to the inconsistency in handling criticism of officiating.
