The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to their fifth Super Bowl in six seasons after eliminating Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game.
After receiving a fine for his dunking celebration on Christmas Day, Chiefs tight Travis Kelce has been punished once again for his actions against Buffalo.
In the final minutes of the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes was tackled into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run. Kelce took exception to the tackle and got into the Bills defender’s face.
Then, Buffalo defensive tackle Jordan Phillips came in and made facemask-to-facemask contact with Kelce as the two exchanged more words. However, the only flag that was thrown was on Phillips.
For the incident, Kelce was fined $11,255 for “taunting,” while Phillips was hit with a $6,722 penalty for “use of the helmet.”
It's so cute Travis Kelce was hit with a penalty* for taunting 6 days later.
*Kelce was fined $11,255
pic.twitter.com/W2qvtBFcpF— Greg Vorse (@GregVorse) February 1, 2025
Although Kelce did end up receiving punishment for his actions, NFL and Bills fans still remain unhappy that it came six days late. They took to social media to leave their thoughts.
“Too late, it’s no good a week later. the refs should have called the penalty right on the spot,” one fan said.
“Having said that, the NFL isn’t doing itself any favors with the way they’re handling things lately,” wrote a second.
“wow this is really effective AFTER the chiefs won…definitely not rigged at all. when is the @NFL going to make a change? (hint: they won’t. they enjoy money more than morals),” added another.
“That’s called ‘buying a championship’. $11,255 in exchange for not calling it on the field so it doesn’t potentially cost you the game. It’s silly to even pretend a monetary fine is anything close to justice,” commented a fourth.
“Doesnt mean jack (expletive) when it doesn’t happen during the game…. Thanks for nothing NFL,” posted a fifth.
“What a joke! Like this makes it better! Chiefs are cheaters! NFL is rigged!! Taints their success!” added a sixth.
Kelce finished the AFC championship with only two catches for 19 yards. His Divisional Round performance against the Houston Texans, on the other hand, was much better, recording seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.
The Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
