Mon Jan 27 03:40:00 IST 2025: **NFL Fines Texans’ Mixon $50,000 for Post-Game Comments, Then Again for the Same Comments**
HOUSTON, TX – Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is facing a $50,000 fine from the NFL, levied in two separate $25,000 installments, for comments he made criticizing officiating following the Texans’ divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The unusual situation unfolded after the league initially fined Mixon for a quote he did not make, a comment posted on social media by former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
According to Mixon’s agent, Peter Schaffer, the NFL initially attributed Houshmandzadeh’s critical remarks about the officiating to Mixon. After Mixon publicly corrected the league’s error on social media, the NFL issued a second $25,000 fine, this time citing Mixon’s actual post-game comments about the referees. These comments, while critical, did not directly accuse the officials of bias or dishonesty, according to Schaffer.
The NFL’s actions have drawn sharp criticism. Schaffer stated that the league failed to rescind the first fine before issuing the second, effectively doubling the penalty. He argues that Mixon’s comments, even if critical, did not violate NFL regulations and that the issuing of two separate fines for essentially the same infraction is unprecedented. He further explained that Mixon’s criticism was directed at his teammates for relying on referee decisions, not at the integrity of the officiating team itself.
Schaffer has appealed both fines and intends to pursue all available legal avenues if necessary, calling the situation a “novel fact pattern.” The NFL and the NFL Players Association have yet to respond to requests for comment. The Texans also declined to comment. The incident highlights a growing tension between players and the league regarding post-game comments and the enforcement of fines related to criticism of officiating.
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