NFL Suspends Shawn Hochuli’s Crew After ‘Imaginary Calls’ Controversy in Bills–Patriots Game
Buffalo, NY – October 7, 2025
The NFL has suspended referee Shawn Hochuli and his entire officiating crew following a controversial performance in the Buffalo Bills’ 20–23 loss to the New England Patriots
, citing multiple “procedural and judgment errors” that directly impacted the outcome.
League officials confirmed that the suspension was based on three critical sequences from the fourth quarter, all of which were deemed
“clear violations of officiating protocol and situational control.”
The first incident came when Bills running back James Cook was hit hard by rookie linebacker Hunter Farmer after he was clearly down by contact. Despite review from the booth,
no flag was thrown — a non-call that violated player safety enforcement standards.
Minutes later, the crew penalized Buffalo for a late hit on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, even though Maye was already in his slide motion and contact was incidental. The call extended New England’s drive and ultimately led to the game-winning field goal.
The final strike came when game footage revealed a missed hold on the Patriots’ offensive line
during that same drive — a penalty that should have nullified the key first down. Instead, the play stood, sealing Buffalo’s defeat.
Following internal review, the league labeled the officiating “inconsistent, reactionary, and below professional standards.” As a result, Hochuli’s entire crew has been placed on indefinite administrative leave
pending further evaluation.
The decision comes amid growing public criticism, intensified by comments from Ed Hochuli, Shawn’s father and one of the NFL’s most respected former referees, who said the crew made
“imaginary calls” that “rewrote the rulebook in real time.”
For the NFL, this marks one of the rare instances where a full officiating crew has been suspended midseason — and for the Bills, it stands as one of the most controversial officiating nights in recent memory.
BREAKING: "FOOTBALL IS NOT A PERFORMANCE" — Jonathan Taylor’s Fiery Response to Bad Bunny’s SNL Line Stuns NFL
"WE'RE HERE TO PLAY, NOT TO BE ENTERTAINERS. FOOTBALL IS ABOUT HARD WORK, NOT FLASH."
The line between entertainment and football was further blurred when global superstar Bad Bunny made a bold statement on Saturday Night Live, telling the audience, “If you don’t understand what I just said, you’ve got four months to learn.” While the comment was aimed at encouraging his fans to embrace his music, it quickly stirred controversy — especially in the sports world, where the true essence of competition is often overshadowed by flashy performances.
One player who wasted no time in reacting to the comment was Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor. Known for his workhorse mentality and relentless style on the field, Taylor was quick to speak up, delivering a no-holds-barred response that immediately grabbed attention. “We’re here to play, not to be entertainers. Football is about hard work, not flash,” Taylor said with a focused intensity. “This is a game built on discipline, sacrifice, and grit. We earn everything on that field. It’s not a stage for a performance.”
Taylor’s strong words hit home for many in the NFL, where the line between spectacle and sportsmanship is sometimes hard to define. As one of the league’s premier running backs, Taylor’s stance on this issue carries significant weight. His no-nonsense approach to the game has made him a fan favorite in Indianapolis, and his comments sparked a wave of support from teammates and players across the league who shared his sentiment.
“Football is real. It’s not about how many views you get or who’s performing at halftime. It’s about respect for the game,” said one anonymous Colts player. “Jonathan’s right. We’re here to grind, to give everything for the team, and to prove ourselves every week.”
Taylor’s comments come at a critical time for the Colts, who have had a rocky start to their season. With a focus on getting their offense back on track, Taylor’s leadership and commitment to the team will be crucial in determining their success moving forward. His strong stance against the commercialization of the sport highlights the passion and dedication of players who still see football as more than just an entertainment vehicle.
While Bad Bunny’s remark was a playful challenge to his fans, Taylor’s response reflects the deeply rooted culture of discipline that exists in the NFL. In a league where physical and mental toughness are paramount, players like Taylor are dedicated to keeping the integrity of the game intact, regardless of the surrounding distractions.
As the Colts continue their push for success, Taylor’s message will undoubtedly resonate in the locker room and among fans, reminding everyone that the heart of football lies in the effort and sacrifice that players make — not in the spectacle or the fame.
With his eyes firmly set on the field, Taylor remains focused on what truly matters: the game. And for the Colts, that mentality is exactly what they need to turn their season around.
The question remains: Can the NFL continue to balance entertainment with the integrity of the game? Jonathan Taylor’s answer is clear — football is about hard work, not flash.
