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NFL fines Packers star Xavier McKinney for referee comments
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- NFL fines Packers star Xavier McKinney for referee comments
The Green Bay Packers have experienced a frustrating stretch in the 2026 NFL season, with controversial officiating decisions becoming a major talking point. Their recent meeting with the Detroit Lions produced several disputed calls that left players questioning the officials' decisions.
Green Bay safety Xavier McKinney was among the players who openly expressed frustration after the divisional defeat. His comments reflected the team's disappointment with decisions that he believed affected important defensive possessions. However, speaking publicly about officiating can carry financial consequences under NFL rules.
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The Packers have since returned to winning ways, beating the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. But questions surrounding the Lions game followed McKinney into the postgame conversation, with the safety revealing an update that attracted further attention.
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NFL fines Xavier McKinney at least $25,000 for criticising officials
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) and head coach Matt LaFleur Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Packers safety Xavier McKinney did not hold back after Green Bay's 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. He criticised the officiating and acknowledged that his comments could lead to punishment from the NFL.
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In a video shared by Lily Zhao, McKinney expressed his frustration, saying: "Like, it just be [expletive] that's going on, [expletive ]calls."
Following the incident, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the NFL fined McKinney for his public criticism of the officials. McKinney later confirmed the punishment after Green Bay's win over Carolina, revealing that the fine was at least $25,000. He also said he was willing to accept the financial penalty because he wanted to stand up for his team.
Why Xavier McKinney was frustrated with the Lions game officiating
McKinney's frustration followed several controversial decisions during Green Bay's defeat. The Packers received two roughing-the-passer penalties and an unnecessary roughness flag against defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
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The unnecessary roughness penalty came after Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown appeared to go down following a short reception. St. Brown got back up and continued running before Wyatt tackled him again. Umpire Terry Killens Jr. fell during the sequence and threw a flag against Wyatt.
The penalty gave Detroit a first down near the goal line. Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams for a touchdown two plays later, putting the Lions ahead 17-14. Referee Alex Moore later explained that officials had ruled the play over, although he could not confirm hearing a whistle.
McKinney criticised the officiating after the game, saying the penalties disrupted Green Bay's defensive momentum and affected important drives. He also acknowledged that his remarks could attract a fine but maintained that speaking up was worth the risk.
The NFL's rules allow disciplinary action against players who publicly criticise game officials or officiating. McKinney has now faced that consequence, but his comments show that he remains willing to defend his teammates even when it costs him financially.
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