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DJ Beloved
HOUSTON — Joe Mixon was fined $25,000 by the NFL for something he didn’t say after the Texans’ divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to the running back and his agent.
In a postgame interview, Mixon was asked about the officials after the Texans defense was flagged for two separate penalties for contacting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two penalties extended Kansas City’s drives, leading to 10 crucial points for the Chiefs in their 23-14 victory.
“Everyone knows how it goes here. You can never leave it in the hands of the refs,” Mixon said. “The whole world sees, man, what it is. At the end of the day, you can never leave it in the hands of the referees. But it’s all good.”
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh posted a message agreeing with Mixon, writing “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with the Chiefs. These officials are (trash) and biased.”
Sports Illustrated initially attributed Houshmandzadeh’s quote to Mixon in an article. The NFL then cited the “50/50” citation in imposing the fine on the running back, according to Mixon and his agent, Peter Schaffer.
“I’m being fined by the @nfl for what someone else said. What’s next? They fined me for Connor McDavid cross-checking an opponent during a @nhl game!” Mixon posted on social media Wednesday.
I receive a fine from @nfl for what someone else said. What’s next? They fine me for Connor McDavid cross-checking an opponent on a @nhl game! 🤦🏽♂️
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) January 22, 2025
And I really tried to fine myself max 4, it’s mind blowing… smh
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) January 22, 2025
Schaffer told ESPN they will appeal the fine.
“We will defend Joe and have appealed the fine and will explore all other legal avenues to remedy this situation,” Schaffer said. “This has to stop.”
