“They Are in Cahoots With Vegas”: Calls Mount for FBI To Investigate Patrick Mahomes-Led Chiefs As Mafia-Linked Gambling Stuns NBA
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are on fans’ radar after the NBA was rocked yesterday when Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested in connection with two separate gambling-related indictments in Brooklyn.
Former NBA player Damon Jones was also among those taken into custody, prompting the league to place Rozier and Billups on immediate leave as investigations continue.
However, while the basketball world grapples with the scandal, the aftermath has now reached the NFL, and fans have turned their sights on Mahomes & co.. Social media flooded on Thursday night with demands for the FBI to investigate Patrick Mahomes and his team, with users alleging “Vegas-level” favoritism from officials during recent games.
One fan wrote, “@FBI I demand an investigation into the Kansas City. They are in cahoots with Vegas and committing fraud live on television.”
Another said, “Whoops, NBA….not having a good day today!! Rigged games, not a surprise at all. FBI, now do the NFL and the Kansas City!!!”
One X user tweeted, “Good for the @fbi now look into the NFL and the referees/Kansas city Chiefs connection.”
“@FBI Investigate the Kansas City Chiefs & Tyquan Thornton immediately,” tweeted one more.
One fan said, “The @FBI & @DOJCrimDiv REALLY need to look into @nflcommish & @NFLOfficiating over the handling of Sunday nights Detroit & Kansas City @NFL game. It’s beyond ridiculous how because of Taylor Swift that the #NFL favors Kansas City. Is the NFL legitimate?!?”
“The Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs football
game was fixed. I would contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation(cf. @FBI ) but unfortunately when you contact them, they turn around and investigate YOU. I guess the Kansas City Mob is alive and well and fixing games,” commented another.
FBI actually stepping in seems a bit overreach, but fans clearly aren’t buying the Chiefs’ squeaky-clean image anymore.
Do Refs Actually Favor Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs?
Are all those viral memes about Patrick Mahomes and the refs actually grounded in reality? A new study from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) suggests that they might be. Researchers have analyzed more than 13,000 penalty calls from 2015 through 2023 and found that officiating has “disproportionately favored the Mahomes-era Kansas City Chiefs.”
According to the report, penalties against Mahomes’ team during playoff games averaged 2.36 more yards than usual, and flags were 23% more likely to lead to a first down in Kansas City’s favor. Subjective calls like roughing the passer and pass interference? Those occurred 28% more often. If that isn’t enough, Mahomes gets roughly .412 roughing-the-passer calls per postseason game, triple the league average of .12.
UTEP’s assistant finance professor Spencer Barnes, who led the study, hinted at why this might be happening.
“When the league’s financial health is at stake, rule enforcement may subtly shift to protect market appeal,” Barnes said.
Kansas City’s star power has only grown since Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift went public in 2023. The pop star’s appearance at a September game spiked Fox’s viewership to 24.3 million. Still, while Andy Reid and his men remain Super Bowl favorites heading into Week 8, their games continue to be marred by questionable calls.
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SAD NEWS: T.J. Watt’s Family Shares Heartbreaking Health Update on His Mother

In a deeply emotional statement, the family of Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive powerhouse T.J. Watt has revealed that his mother is battling a serious health condition, leaving the Watt family devastated. The family confirmed today that T.J.’s mother has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and the situation has become increasingly dire, requiring the full attention and support of her loved ones.
The announcement, which has sent shockwaves through the Steelers' fanbase and the broader NFL community, highlights the difficult personal challenge facing one of the league's most formidable defensive players. Known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his leadership on the field, T.J. Watt is now focused on supporting his mother during this incredibly difficult time.

In a statement from the Watt family, they expressed their sadness and asked for privacy: “Our mother has always been the glue that held our family together. She has shown immense strength throughout her life, and now we are rallying around her as she faces this battle. This is a profoundly difficult time for us, and we appreciate the support and respect we’ve already received. We ask for privacy as we care for her and navigate the days ahead.”
T.J. Watt, who has been the cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense since being drafted, is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive players, with numerous accolades to his name. However, as his family faces this personal challenge, the focus is now on his mother’s health and providing her with the care and comfort she needs.
The Steelers' organization has rallied behind Watt and his family, with Head Coach Mike Tomlin offering heartfelt support: “T.J. is a warrior on the field, but even more so in his heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We stand with them during this difficult time. The Steelers family is always here for each other, and T.J. knows we’ve got his back.”
Steelers players, past and present, have also reached out with messages of support, recognizing Watt’s role not only as a leader on the field but as a family man who has always placed his loved ones first. Defensive captain Cam Heyward expressed his solidarity: “T.J. is more than a teammate — he’s a brother. We are all behind him as he faces this challenge, and we’re here to support him however we can.”
As T.J. Watt takes time away from the game to be with his mother, his Steelers teammates have made it clear that his family comes first. While the team continues to prepare for upcoming games, the focus for Watt and the entire Steelers organization is on the health of his mother and the strength of the Watt family.
The Watt family has thanked fans for their ongoing support and prayers during this tough time. As T.J. navigates this personal crisis, the love and strength of his family, teammates, and the Steelers nation will undoubtedly serve as a source of comfort and encouragement.