Packers’ LaFleur Takes Swipe at Referees After Micah Parsons Rulings

In a tense and physical NFC North showdown, the Green Bay Packers escaped with a 28–21 victory over the Chicago Bears — but the postgame spotlight landed not on Jordan Love’s late-game precision or Keisean Nixon’s end-zone interception. Instead, it centered on a now-familiar frustration: Micah Parsons being held repeatedly with no flags in sight.

Throughout the afternoon at Lambeau Field, Parsons consistently found his way into Chicago’s backfield, only to be slowed — or outright tackled — by offensive linemen who wrapped arms around his shoulders and neck. Despite the theatrics, whistles remained silent. On the Bears’ final drive, Parsons was visibly grabbed twice, raising both arms in disbelief as officials kept the flags tucked away.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had the same reaction.

LaFleur Questions Holding Standards After Win

Speaking after the game, LaFleur’s tone was measured, but his message unmistakably sharp.

“I guess I don’t know. I don’t know,” LaFleur said when asked why the holds weren’t called.
“There was one that was certainly questionable, to say the least. Apparently, the officials disagree. So it is what it is — you’ve got to keep fighting to get to the quarterback.”

LaFleur acknowledged that officials have a difficult job, but followed the compliment with a thinly veiled jab.

“I don’t think officiating is easy by any stretch. But I guess I don’t know what holding is anymore, because I thought that was clear and obvious. I guess I don’t know what that means.”

LaFleur spent several moments on the sideline speaking with officials throughout the afternoon, and though he declined to detail those conversations, it was clear what his concerns were.

Parsons Takes It in Stride — But Sends a Subtle Message

In the locker room, Parsons didn’t match his coach’s frustration. Instead, he shrugged with a familiar acceptance — one that speaks volumes about how often he’s faced this problem.

“That’s been the definition of my career — fighting through it,” Parsons said.
“I’m a leverage rusher. I get under guys fast, and when they panic, they reach up top. But that stuff they’re grabbing? My neck isn’t in the rule book.”

Asked whether he felt the Bears crossed the line on the final drive, Parsons smirked.

“Look, if they’re not gonna call it, I still gotta win. That’s the job,” he said.
“But yeah — when you’re getting pulled backwards and you still almost make the play? That should tell you something.”

Then he added one line that drew laughs from teammates around him:

“I guess the refs think my neck is optional equipment.”

Micah Parsons got assaulted on this and the NFL tweets it as a highlight. How embarrassing pic.twitter.com/QCqsKnZfrf

— Eric Fischer (@BigEOnAirWI) December 8, 2025

Packers Stay Atop NFC North Despite Frustrations

Parsons finished the day without a sack but with multiple pressures that forced hurried throws from Bears rookie Caleb Williams. The defense held firm when it mattered most, sealing the game with Nixon’s interception in the end zone.

Despite the win, the officiating became one of the game's dominant talking points — and LaFleur’s pointed comments ensured the league took notice.

A Victory, but Not Without Controversy

For the Packers, the triumph moves them to 9–3–1 and keeps them atop the NFC North. But LaFleur’s remarks leave lingering tension about how the league officiates its premier pass rushers — and whether star defenders like Parsons are receiving the protection they deserve.

One thing is certain: Green Bay left Lambeau with a win, but the conversation about the whistles that never came is far from over.