NFL legend Terrell Owens has hit out at officiating in the league – and says the Kansas City Chiefs are getting “BLATANT” favoritism.
Refs have come under such scrutiny for their handling of Chiefs games this season that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was forced to defend them.
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Terrell Owens has accused refs of ‘blatant’ bias in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs
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The NFL legend played for five NFL teams and was named in the 2000s Team of the DecadeCredit: AP:Associated Press
The referees’ union then came out with a statement to deny any accusations that they were rigging games in favor of Kansas City.
NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green said: “It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.
“There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season, such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes.
“But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly.”
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The accusations come after the Chiefs had a couple of huge calls swing their way in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans.
There were then controversial calls in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills that also favored Patrick Mahomes’ team.
Owens, regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game, believes officials are doing it on purpose to help the Chiefs.
Owens, a five-time first-team All-Pro and 2000s All-Decade Team member, said: “It’s crazy, because I played the game and I’m watching the game and I’m looking at all these calls that they’re just, that’s benefiting the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Look at the game before, against the Texans. Mahomes is smart, he’s dinking around, he’s causing the flag, you know what I mean?
“He’s getting the benefit. He didn’t even get hit. Fifteen-yard flag, the guy, Will Anderson, barely hit him.
“That can stop the momentum of the game. At that point in time, the Houston Texans were in the game.
“Those calls right there advances them, gives them extra downs.
“It changed the whole complexity of the game.”
Owens was speaking on the It Is What It Is show with rappers Ma$e and Cam’ron.
The former Philadelphia Eagles star added: “You can even go back to the last couple of Super Bowls, even when the Niners played the Super Bowl.
“Look at all the holding calls.
