Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has spoken out following the NFL’s decision to fine the team $100,000 over a sideline altercation involving tight end Peyton Hendershot during their Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The incident, which occurred when Hendershot defended Mahomes after what appeared to be a late hit from Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, has sparked controversy.
When asked about the fine, Mahomes expressed frustration, saying, “It’s tough to see the team get hit with such a huge fine for something that happened in the heat of the moment. We’re out there fighting for each other, and that’s just what we do. We’ll take responsibility, but we’ve got to have a level playing field.”
Mahomes emphasized that while he respects the rules, he feels the NFL needs to be consistent in their enforcement. “It’s not just about us – these things happen in every game. I just hope the league is looking at both sides when it comes to these penalties,” Mahomes added.
The NFL fined #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco $5,582 for unnecessary roughness on this play in last week’s kickoff game.
The league continues to crack down on lowering the head to initiate contact. No flag was thrown. pic.twitter.com/JRAzHTBJxC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 14, 2024
Clear as day late hit by Roquan Smith on Patrick Mahomes, not called pic.twitter.com/5r3Zpjga86 https://t.co/Y8SoTpvDh3
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) September 6, 2024
The fine was issued following an incident in which Mahomes was shoved after stepping out of bounds, prompting Hendershot, who was inactive for the game, to push Smith in defense of his quarterback. Although no flags were thrown during the game, the NFL’s crackdown on sideline interactions led to the hefty fine for the Chiefs and a separate $5,472 fine for Hendershot.
Here’s the play: pic.twitter.com/8h6DmADLrP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 14, 2024
#Ravens LB Roquan Smith on #Chiefs TE Peyton Hendershot: “He better watch himself. … I’ll see him when I see him.”
Hendershot shoved Smith after he pushed Patrick Mahomes out of bounds in the 4th quarter. No penalty was called.
pic.twitter.com/zyKin5mkCr— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 6, 2024
Despite the setback, Mahomes remains focused on the team’s upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, but it’s clear the star quarterback feels the Chiefs were treated unfairly in this situation.
