NFL fans furious as leaked photo sparks wild Patrick Mahomes conspiracy theories
Conspiracy theories are emerging following a leaked photo of Patrick Mahomes and an NFL official.
After starting the season 3-0, fans are convinced the reigning Super Bowl champions are getting a helping hand from referees. The Chiefs were the beneficiaries of boundary penalties in Weeks 2 and 3, leaving the NFL fan base fed up with the so-called special treatment.
To add fuel to the fire, Mahomes was spotted talking to a referee during NBC’s broadcast of Sunday’s game against Atlanta.
Although it is common for players to talk to the referee before a match, fans had negative thoughts about this and expressed this on social media.
“Ready to cheat as always,” one fan said.
A photo of Patrick Mahomes talking to a referee before Sunday’s game left fans furious
The Chiefs took advantage of borderline plays in their Week 2 and Week 3 wins
“That dude gave him a 20 lmao,” added another.
“I don’t think Tom Brady got this treatment,” suggested a third, while a fourth predicted, “We’re in for another rigged game.”
“It’s looking bad for the NFL here,” said a fifth fan.
Players often talk to officials before a match to understand how the match will proceed or to catch up with the referees.
However, a series of questionable refereeing decisions in favor of the Chiefs led to an outcry from fans.
In Week 1, the Chiefs were called a timeout that shouldn’t have counted when defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo ran down the sideline with nine seconds left in the first half. The stop was called despite Andy Reid being the only one allowed to take a timeout in that situation.
Mahomes and the Chiefs got away with a pass interference against the Falcons on Sunday
Atlanta trailed Kansas City 17-22 in the final minutes when the no-call occurred
The following week, Kansas City took advantage of a game-winning pass interference call. While trailing the Bengals 25-23, Mahomes threw a pass to Rashee Rice that was incomplete.
Unfortunately for the Bengals, flags rained down after the pass was broken up. The officials called a pass interference, giving the Chiefs a last-minute chance to kick the winning field goal.
On Sunday, the Chiefs took advantage of a no-call against the Falcons. Atlanta trailed the Chiefs 17-22 in the final minutes when a pass from Kirk Cousins to Kyle Pitts was broken up.
Cris Collinsworth pointed out the amount of contact in the game, but the Falcons were not warned for pass interference, which would have given them a chance to win.