While bettors were crying foul over Mahomes' late slide that prevented the Chiefs from covering the point spread, NFL fans were also upset over the controversial holding penalty called against Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner just minutes earlier.
To compound matters, video shows that the ref threw the questionable flag only after the ball was intercepted by nickel back Michael Carter II.
On Monday, the NFL’s social media team posted “The Chiefs are 2-0 as Swifites” in the league’s official Instagram bio section.
The lousy judgement by the NFL, which was captured by Dov Kleiman on X (formerly known as Twitter), elicited a now-deleted response by a frustrated Gardner.
"Lmaoo maybe if I was a swiftie, the ref wouldn't of threw the flag," said the Pro Bowl cornerback.
Sauce Gardner on the NFL adding to their official bio: "Chiefs Are 2-0 As Swifties"
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 2, 2023
"Lmaoo maybe if I was a swiftie, the ref wouldn't of threw the flag."
He then edited it to remove the last part.. https://t.co/m0yETvXEew pic.twitter.com/dzBK2Y19sX
While Gardner's response went viral, there was also several other notable responses to the problematic decision by the NFL the day after the controversial call.
This is not a good look by the nfl. This sort of thing fuels the conspiracy theories. pic.twitter.com/IIoAMoW6FB
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) October 2, 2023
At some point this is just a little ridiculous… pic.twitter.com/MeAtursXf2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 2, 2023
The @NFL’s main Instagram is promoting the #Chiefs being undefeated since the Swifties started tuning in.
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) October 2, 2023
This only ignites the “scripted, rigged” talk; that the NFL wants Kansas City to win to keep the views up. Shame shame shame shame. #NFL pic.twitter.com/1bHJa18h53
Horrible look by the @NFL if they really put that on their official instagram page. Sauce Gardner has every right to mock the NFL with that statement https://t.co/ZYBT8SzUpG
— Matt (@the__world_ofMC) October 2, 2023
I do not know what is worse? The ineptitude displayed by the @nflofficiating last night or the @NFL Instagram account! Looks like the #NFL and the @nflofficiating are proud Swifties. #JetsNation #nyjets #AGNB #IDontWantToOverreactBUT #thecallwasmade #rigged pic.twitter.com/bC62hbH9uH
— David Saleh (@DavidSaleh) October 2, 2023
The @nfl Instagram Bio says “Chiefs are 2-0 as swifties”
— Kyle McDonald (@mcdtakes) October 2, 2023
YOU’RE A JOKE @nfl pic.twitter.com/oIzt2nHTAS
Yes… this is the @NFL Instagram bio.
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 2, 2023
The NFL needs to put an end to the Taylor Swift noise. pic.twitter.com/cOIijThbxg
Official NFL Instagram account: "Chiefs are 2-0 as swifties"
— offGrid NFL (@offGrid_NFL) October 2, 2023
This comes just hours after many believe the #Chiefs received a shocking call by the refs against the #Jets, to help them win on Sunday night.
Only adds fuel to silly rigged/conspiracy theories. Stop this now, @NFL pic.twitter.com/Dh00JklmAU
