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NFL Opens Investigation Into Referee Carl Cheffers Over Chiefs Game Controversies

The NFL has launched a formal investigation into veteran referee Carl Cheffers following mounting accusations of bias and game-altering decisions involving the Kansas City Chiefs.

The latest controversy came during the Week 1 International Series matchup between the Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2025. In the third quarter, Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart slapped the facemask of Chiefs star Travis Kelce after a Kareem Hunt run.

Tart received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty but was not ejected from the game. Minutes later, he delivered a crucial stop, batting down a Patrick Mahomes pass that shifted momentum to Los Angeles. Chiefs fans were outraged.

This wasn’t the first time Cheffers drew fire from Kansas City. In Super Bowl LV, his crew penalized the Chiefs 11 times for 120 yards compared to just four flags on the Buccaneers. That lopsided officiating still stings across Chiefs Kingdom.

The combination of past controversies and the Week 1 incident has sparked accusations of unfair treatment. Critics argue that failing to eject Tart directly altered the outcome, keeping a defensive playmaker on the field for a game-changing moment.

League sources told The Athletic that Cheffers could face disciplinary action, including potential suspension from officiating certain games. While nothing is finalized, the probe underscores how seriously the NFL is treating the allegations.

Chiefs players and coaches have remained quiet publicly, with Andy Reid declining to address the officiating. But fan reaction has been explosive, with calls across social media labeling the matchup “rigged” and demanding accountability.

As the investigation unfolds, the NFL finds itself under pressure to restore faith in officiating. If sanctions follow, Cheffers could be sidelined from key assignments, sending a message about integrity at the league’s highest level.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”