Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t hold back in his criticism of the NFL refs after Monday night’s loss to the Detroit Lions, and a fine is certainly on the way.
It was an all-around frustrating loss for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs on Monday night. Not only did they fall 24-9 in a sloppy game to a top conference rival, but superstar wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a fractured collarbone that could sideline him for the rest of the season.
The Buccaneers were also on the wrong end of a questionable call that came at a pivotal time in the fourth quarter. Facing a 4th-and-4 situation at their own 37-yard line, Baker Mayfield found Cade Otton for what appeared to be a first down.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenged the call, but the officials initially announced that the first down was upheld. However, the refs conducted a second review and determined Otton was short of the first down, giving Detroit the ball in Tampa territory.
The ruling essentially ended Tampa Bay’s hopes of a comeback, as the Lions tacked on another field goal to extend their lead to 15. No more points were scored as Detroit put the clamps on Baker Mayfield and the Bucs en route to a 24-19 victory.
Baker Mayfield Calls Out NFL Refs After Loss
Speaking to reporters after the game, Baker Mayfield didn’t hide his thoughts on the officiating in the loss to Detroit, per Fox Sports’ Greg Auman:
“Third-down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, also still pretty damn confused about the double review. A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable. Lot of frustration at the end of that, might be displaced onto John Hussey in the moment. I work my a*s off and put a lot into this game, so when things that I don’t see (as) fair, I’m going to let somebody know.”
The video of Mayfield’s post-game comments can be seen below:
You may recall that Mayfield was fined $12,500 for criticizing the officials after his Cleveland Browns fell to the Seattle Seahawks in an Oct. 2019 home game. However, his fine was dropped following a successful appeal.
The NFL rules ban players from insulting, threatening or publicly criticing officials. Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw was hit with a one-game suspension for his comments toward referee Brad Allen after Sunday’s win against the Denver Broncos.
Mayfield won’t get suspended, but a fine is sure to come following vocal comments about John Hussey and his crew’s performance on Monday night.
