Patrick Mahomes Appeals NFL’s Decision Over Chiefs vs Lions Incident and Refuses to Pay Fine
Patrick Mahomes Appeals NFL’s Decision Over Chiefs vs Lions Incident and Refuses to Pay Fine
Kansas City, Missouri – After being accused by the NFL of violating the league’s taunting rule for allegedly provoking defensive back Brian Branch during the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions game, Patrick Mahomes has officially filed an appeal and refused to pay the fine. The two-time Super Bowl MVP insists he is innocent — claiming that the Lions were the ones who played dirty, especially Branch.
The controversial moment came late in the first half when Mahomes kept the ball on an option play, ran into the end zone for a touchdown, and appeared to fake a lateral, spin, and point toward Branch before flexing in celebration. While officials didn’t flag him during the game, the NFL later reviewed the play and ruled it a violation of the league’s taunting policy, which could cost him $11,593 in fines.
Mahomes, however, has strongly pushed back against the allegation, saying he did nothing wrong and that his celebration was being misinterpreted.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t taunt anyone or disrespect anyone. If people watch that play again, it’s clear the Lions were the ones playing rough — especially Branch. I was celebrating a touchdown, that’s all. This is football — it’s emotion, it’s energy. I shouldn’t be fined for that,” Mahomes said after submitting his appeal to the NFL.
Mahomes also pointed out the double standard in the league’s enforcement of such rules, referencing a similar case earlier this season in which Josh Allen of the Bills was not fined despite making a gun gesture — an act that is explicitly prohibited under the same policy.
He added that the NFL must apply its rules consistently, saying, “If fairness means anything, then every team should be judged by the same standard — not based on reputation or spotlight.”
The fake lateral
— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) October 13, 2025
The spin
The point on Branch
The flex
Mahomes is FEELING himself #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/5SeYqmxsKZ
According to The Sporting News, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has backed Mahomes, calling the punishment excessive and inconsistent with the intent of the rule.
If the appeal is upheld, Mahomes will avoid paying the fine. But if rejected, he will be forced to pay in full and record his first disciplinary infraction of the 2025 season.
Still, Mahomes remains defiant, saying he won’t let the controversy affect his mindset or performance:
“I know who I am, and I’ll always play with passion and respect — but I won’t stay silent when I’m being blamed for something I didn’t do.”
The NFL is expected to review the case and issue a final decision in the coming days.
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