Did Joe Mixon call out NFL referees over officiating bias during Chiefs showdown? Exploring $25,000 controversy around Texans RB

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is fighting back against the NFL after being reissued a $25,000 fine on Wednesday for comments he made about officiating. However, he did not actually say the words he was initially charged for.

The NFL fined Mixon for this comment after the Texans’ 23-14 loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round last weekend:

"Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are trash and bias."

The NFL claimed the quote as the reason for levying a fine against the Texans running back. However, the problem is that Mixon did not make those comments. It was actually retired Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh who said it.

On his part, these were Joe Mixon's words in the locker room after the game:

"Everybody know how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs’ hands. The whole world see, man. It is what it is."

The error apparently occurred because media outlet Sports Illustrated originally attributed Houshmandzadeh’s quote to Mixon in one of its stories, which the NFL then referenced when issuing the fine to the Texans running back. Sports Illustrated has since corrected the story.

The NFL has also adjusted the wording in the fine and levied the same fine, this time based on the comments made by Mixon after the game.

Joe Mixon intends to appeal the fine, claims agent

Joe Mixon’s agent Peter Schaffer told ESPN they intend to appeal the fine.

"We will defend Joe and have appealed the fine and will explore all other legal avenues to rectify this situation. This has to stop," Schaffer said.

The running back also voiced his displeasure at the NFL for its handling of the incident. Mixon first called out the league for the first fine. He then commented on his X account, calling out the NFL for its lack of "accountability."

"I’m getting fined by the NFL for what someone else said. What’s next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross checking an opponent on a NHL game?" Mixon wrote Wednesday.

"So let me get this straight NFL fines me 25k for something I didn’t even say. Call them out for it, and they response was fine me AGAIN for something that’s not even a violation without even rescinding the first one. Where’s the accountability? Just respect the players. Cold World,” he tweeted.

Mixon rushed for 57 yards on 14 carries against the Kansas City Chiefs, but that was not enough to break down the Chiefs. The Texans fell behind early and never recovered, ultimately losing 23-14. His battle now is to ensure his comments after the game do not cost him more money.