Reid and Goodell Address Officiating Concerns Ahead of Chiefs Super Bowl Matchup
Andy Reid and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed concerns about officiating favoritism towards the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their Super Bowl matchup against the Eagles.
Breakfast Ball hosts Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth discuss the Kansas City Chiefs' path to victory in the upcoming Super Bowl. Coach Andy Reid is not only focused on winning but is also aware of the scrutiny regarding officiating in the NFL.
In recent months, debates have arisen among fans, commentators, and on social media regarding potential favoritism towards the Chiefs by NFL referees. Reid quickly refuted this notion, asserting that officials do not favor any particular team.
“They don’t favor one side or the other. ... That’s not how this thing goes,” said Reid. “I don’t think the officials care about what’s said. They’re doing their job, and they’re doing it to the best of their ability.”
Reid remarked that the perception of favoritism, while a "good story," does not reflect reality. “You’d be insulting them to think that’s what they do. They go out, and they call it like they see it,” he added. Reid noted that there are calls he agrees with, and others he does not, which is part of the coaching experience.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also weighed in, dismissing the claims of bias as “a ridiculous theory.” Goodell acknowledged the passion of fans and emphasized the significance of officiating, praising the officials in the league.
As the Chiefs prepare for their Super Bowl showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, questions surrounding officiating have been amplified by close wins and controversial calls, such as the Critical measurement in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt downplayed the suggestion of unfair treatment from referees, stating it was almost laughable. The NFL Referees Association called such criticism “insulting and preposterous.”
The Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX, with coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET, and will also be streamed on Tubi for the first time.
