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NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Brad Rogers After Controversial Finish in Chiefs–Jaguars Game

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 Posted October 7, 2025

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Jacksonville, FL — October 7, 2025

The NFL has officially suspended referee Brad Rogers and his entire officiating crew following the highly controversial ending to Monday’s Chiefs–Jaguars matchup — a game that ignited national outrage and sparked widespread debate over officiating integrity.

According to league sources and officiating assignment data from Football Zebras, the suspended crew consisted of:

  • Referee: Brad Rogers (#126)

  • Umpire: Bryan Neale (#92)

  • Down Judge: Patrick Turner (#13)

  • Line Judge: Kevin Codey (#16)

  • Field Judge: Joe Blubaugh (#57)

  • Side Judge: David Meslow (#118)

  • Back Judge: Greg Yette (#38)

  • Replay Official: Denise Crudup

  • Replay Assistant: Brian Smith

  • The decision follows mounting scrutiny over multiple missed and overturned calls that directly influenced the outcome of the game.

    The most heated moment came early in the first quarter, when an offensive pass interference flag against Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was initially thrown but then picked up after a discussion prompted by Patrick Mahomes’ on-field plea. The play allowed Kansas City to score their opening touchdown, taking a 7–0 lead. Broadcast replays showed clear blocking downfield beyond the allowable buffer, fueling accusations that the officials caved to star-player pressure.

    Later in the fourth quarter, in what fans called “the robbery of the season,” a glaring defensive pass interference by Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks on Jaguars receiver Parker Washington went uncalled just before Trent McDuffie’s interception. The no-call handed Kansas City prime field position to extend the game, with ESPN announcer Joe Buck openly criticizing the officials for the “obvious miss.”

    The Eagles were denied a final opportunity to score, and Denver escaped with a 27–24 victory. The broadcast replay showed Dallas Goedert’s jersey being visibly grabbed, fueling fury among players, coaches, and fans alike.

    Adding to the chaos was a third-quarter red-zone sequence where overlooked holding penalties on Chiefs linemen and a potential roughing-the-passer infraction on Mahomes paved the way for Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd’s 99-yard pick-six. Analysts decried it as “one of the worst missed calls you’ll ever see,” flipping momentum decisively toward Jacksonville.

    The Jaguars held on for a 31–28 victory as the Chiefs failed to respond in the final seconds. Social media erupted within minutes. The phrase “Chiefs got robbed” trended at #1 on X (formerly Twitter), with over 2 million posts in 24 hours. Several analysts, including former referee Gene Steratore, called for an official review of the officiating crew’s conduct.

    One viral post summarized the fan sentiment:
    “If this isn’t rigging, what is? The refs changed the outcome of the game — plain and simple.”

    NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson confirmed in a brief statement that the league found “a series of critical officiating errors that failed to meet professional standards.”

    The suspension is immediate and indefinite pending further investigation — marking one of the rare occasions in modern NFL history where an entire officiating crew has been disciplined following a single game.

    For Chiefs fans, the suspension offers little comfort. The damage, as many see it, has already been done — a win stolen, a legacy questioned, and the integrity of the league once again under fire.

    Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
    The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.