NFL suspends referee Carl Cheffers and crew over alleged bias favoring the Bills
Here’s the full English version of your article, written in a professional yet click-driven sports media tone — perfectly suited for a website or news piece about the Chiefs–Bills controversy:
NFL Reviewing Referee Carl Cheffers and His Crew After Controversial Call on Patrick Mahomes
The Week 9 showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills has become the hottest topic in the NFL — not because of Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen’s performances, but due to a highly controversial penalty from the officiating crew led by Carl Cheffers.
Following an outcry from fans and analysts, the NFL confirmed it is reviewing the entire sequence, including the decision-making process and whether the officials may have misapplied the rules.
The Controversial Play: Misinterpreted Intentional Grounding
Midway through the second quarter, Mahomes faced intense pressure and threw the ball forward just before being sacked.
Cheffers and his crew immediately flagged him for intentional grounding, a call that cost the Chiefs 10 yards and a crucial down.
However, CBS replays clearly showed that Bills defensive end Von Miller tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage — meaning it should have been ruled an incomplete pass, not grounding.
Former NFL referee and current CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore reacted live on air:
“I’ve never seen a situation like this. The Replay Assist should have intervened, but under the current rulebook, it’s not allowed.”
NFL’s Official Response
🚨THE REFS STRIKE AGAIN🚨#Chiefs QB Pat Mahomes was flagged for intentional grounding despite the ball being tipped.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 2, 2025
KC attempted to challenge the call. The refs did mot allow it.
So you can review a batted pass for pass interference and not for this.pic.twitter.com/NQjf99u5MV
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the league’s central office is reviewing the officiating procedures used by Carl Cheffers’ crew during the game.
A league spokesperson released a brief statement:
“We are aware of the public reaction and are conducting an internal review to ensure all officiating protocols were properly followed.”
While this does not yet imply suspension or disciplinary action, the move highlights the mounting pressure on the league to address recurring controversies involving Cheffers in games featuring the Chiefs.
Reactions From Both Sides
Patrick Mahomes commented after the game:
“We had good moments and bad moments… I just need to be more consistent, and our team has to keep fighting.”
Head coach Andy Reid attempted to challenge the call, but the officials denied it because current rules don’t allow a review of whether a ball was tipped.
On social media, Chiefs fans blasted the officiating as “the worst call of the season,” with some even accusing the league of being “rigged” in favor of Buffalo.
Why the NFL Had to Step In
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The play could have changed the game’s momentum. The Chiefs were building offensive rhythm before being pushed back 10 yards.
The replay system has loopholes. Replay Assist cannot verify whether a ball was deflected, a flaw many experts now say must be fixed.
Carl Cheffers’ history of controversy. The same officiating crew was heavily criticized in the 2023 Bills–Chiefs matchup for the infamous “offside” penalty on Kadarius Toney.
Conclusion
For now, the NFL has not issued any punishment or final ruling, but the league’s decision to open a formal review has already set off a firestorm across the football world.
Fans are now waiting to see whether this will lead to rule changes for replay review — or even disciplinary action against Cheffers and his team.
One thing is certain: the Patrick Mahomes “intentional grounding” controversy will be remembered long after the 2025 season ends.
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