The NFL has officially decided not to punish Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes following the controversy from his Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions.
What Happened
During the Chiefsâ 30â17 victory over the Lions, Patrick Mahomes scored a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the first half. After crossing the goal line, he dropped the ball, pointed at Lions safety Brian Branch, and flexed while wiping off his jersey â a gesture that many interpreted as taunting.
According to the NFL rulebook, such conduct could qualify as âbaiting or taunting actsâ subject to fines beginning around $11,500 for a first offense. However, after reviewing the footage, league officials concluded that Mahomesâ actions did not reach the level of a punishable infraction.
Leagueâs Reasoning
The NFL had issued a memo before the season emphasizing stricter enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting. Despite that crackdown, the league determined that Mahomesâ behavior was more about competitive emotion than provocation and opted against issuing a fine or suspension.
Broader Context
The decision followed a separate altercation in which Brian Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after the game. Branch received a one-game suspension for his actions, which the league upheld after review.
In essence, the NFLâs final ruling is that Mahomes will face no punishment, though league officials have made it clear that his future celebrations will remain under scrutiny given their emphasis on sportsmanship this season.