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NFL Suspends Shawn Hochuli’s Crew After ‘Imaginary Calls’ Controversy in Bills–Patriots Game

One more worry for Vikings fans: Sunday's officiating crew

Buffalo, NY – October 7, 2025

The NFL has suspended referee Shawn Hochuli and his entire officiating crew following a controversial performance in the Buffalo Bills’ 20–23 loss to the New England Patriots, citing multiple “procedural and judgment errors” that directly impacted the outcome.

League officials confirmed that the suspension was based on three critical sequences from the fourth quarter, all of which were deemed “clear violations of officiating protocol and situational control.”

The first incident came when Bills running back James Cook was hit hard by rookie linebacker Hunter Farmer after he was clearly down by contact. Despite review from the booth, no flag was thrown — a non-call that violated player safety enforcement standards.

Minutes later, the crew penalized Buffalo for a late hit on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, even though Maye was already in his slide motion and contact was incidental. The call extended New England’s drive and ultimately led to the game-winning field goal.

The final strike came when game footage revealed a missed hold on the Patriots’ offensive line during that same drive — a penalty that should have nullified the key first down. Instead, the play stood, sealing Buffalo’s defeat.

Following internal review, the league labeled the officiating “inconsistent, reactionary, and below professional standards.” As a result, Hochuli’s entire crew has been placed on indefinite administrative leave pending further evaluation.

The decision comes amid growing public criticism, intensified by comments from Ed Hochuli, Shawn’s father and one of the NFL’s most respected former referees, who said the crew made “imaginary calls” that “rewrote the rulebook in real time.”

For the NFL, this marks one of the rare instances where a full officiating crew has been suspended midseason — and for the Bills, it stands as one of the most controversial officiating nights in recent memory.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute 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 its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , 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 Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.