Chiefs coach Andy Reid makes admission over NFL ref conspiracy that has gripped Super Bowl
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has strongly dismissed claims that NFL officials favour his team, calling such conspiracy theories “insulting” to referees.
Speaking at his final media availability before Sunday’s Super Bowl, Reid defended the impartiality of NFL officials.
“I don’t think the officials care about what is said, they’re doing their job and they’re doing it to the best of their ability,” Reid said.
“They don’t favor one side or the other. That’s not how this thing goes. It’s a good story, but that’s not reality,” he added.
The Chiefs coach emphasised that officials “call it like they see it”.
The controversy has reached such levels that senior NFL figures have felt compelled to address it publicly.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed it as a “ridiculous theory” that officials showed favouritism towards Kansas City.
The NFL Referees Association issued their own statement, describing the allegations as “insulting and preposterous.”
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt also weighed in on the matter, saying one “almost has to laugh” at such conspiracy theories.
The claims have particularly intensified following controversial calls in the Chiefs’ playoff victories, including disputed decisions in their AFC Championship match against the Bills.
Reid acknowledged that coaches naturally have differing views on officiating decisions during games.
“As a coach there’s some [calls] I sit there and I don’t agree with, some I agree with, that’s how it goes,” he explained.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney set for new job weeks after Plymouth sacking
He maintained that such disagreements are a normal part of the sport and don’t indicate any systemic bias.
Reid emphasised that whilst the conspiracy theories might make for compelling narratives, they’re detached from reality.
“It’s insulting them to think that’s what they do,” he said of suggestions that officials deliberately favour certain teams.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also addressed the controversy during Super Bowl week media sessions.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Former boxer Carl Frampton, 37, makes heartbreaking statement over health
- Ronnie O’Sullivan and Shaun Murphy clash over ‘epidemic’ that has rocked snooker
- Taylor Swift ‘concern’ revealed over Super Bowl appearance as Travis Kelce makes Donald Trump confession
When asked about claims the Chiefs were being “helped” during their dynasty, Kelce shifted focus to comparisons with the New England Patriots’ era of dominance.
“I don’t remember hating on them as much,” Kelce said of the Patriots.
He added that he recalled “having the desire of wanting to be like them and be on the top of the mountain.”
Earlier in the week, Kelce had questioned why media were “leaning into this whole ref thing” during a press conference.