NFL Suspends Brad Rogers’s Crew After ‘Imaginary Calls’ Controversy in Chiefs–Jaguars Game
October 7, 2025 – Jacksonville, FL
The NFL has officially suspended referee Brad Rogers and his entire officiating crew following a review of multiple “phantom” or imaginary calls that influenced the outcome of the
League officials announced the suspension late Monday night after confirming “a pattern of inconsistent and selective enforcement” throughout the game — particularly during the final minutes.
The decision follows mounting public criticism from across the league, including former Jaguars player and current NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, who called the officiating “game-altering” during a live segment on NFL Network.
“I’m thrilled the Jaguars won, but let’s call it what it was — the officiating influenced this outcome,” Brooks said. “When penalties decide who wins and loses, it’s no longer about execution or game plan. It’s about luck — and that’s not football.”
The Turning Point: The Phantom Pass Interference
With 1:08 left in regulation, the Jaguars trailed 24–21 and faced 3rd-and-7 at the Chiefs’ 23-yard line. Trevor Lawrence lofted a deep ball toward rookie wideout
Refs say Brian Thomas Jr. was held on this play by Chamarri Conner 😭
WHAT? pic.twitter.com/yNPVDypUEl — SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) October 7, 2025
The call set up first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, and Lawrence punched it in on the next play for the game-winning touchdown.
Replay angles clearly showed minimal contact — if any — before the ball’s arrival, prompting outrage from fans and analysts alike. ESPN described the ruling as “marginal at best,” while Chiefs Nation on X labeled it
One viral post summarized the outrage bluntly: “Refs say Thomas was held? What game were they watching?”
The No-Call That Changed Everything
Earlier, midway through the third quarter, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was hit late by Josh Hines-Allen immediately after releasing a pass. The hit sent Mahomes sprawling — yet no flag was thrown for roughing the passer
Here’s exactly what the defense was in when Devin Lloyd got the pick 6, and here’s how it happened!
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 7, 2025
This is freaking cool stuff! @Jaguars| #DUUUVAL| @speakeasytlkshwpic.twitter.com/YExC1hXywA
On the very next play, linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted Mahomes for a pick-six, swinging momentum heavily in favor of Jacksonville.
While ESPN’s rules analysts later clarified that the hit landed on the torso — not the helmet — fans pointed to
Even Brooks, a proud Jaguar himself, admitted the inconsistency was glaring:
“That was a borderline roughing call. If we’re being fair, Mahomes deserved that flag. If it happened to Trevor, this city would’ve exploded.”
League Response
After reviewing both incidents, the NFL’s officiating department found “a lack of procedural discipline and unnecessary interference with competitive balance.”
As a result, Brad Rogers’s entire crew has been
A league spokesperson stated:
“Our officials are expected to enforce the rules with precision and fairness. Inconsistency at critical moments undermines the integrity of the game.”
The suspension marks the second time this season that an officiating team has been removed from rotation due to performance issues, fueling growing calls for a VAR-style centralized review system
Brooks’ Final Words Echo Across the League
“I love this team, I love this city,” Brooks concluded. “But the NFL can’t keep hiding behind the whistle. A win should feel earned — not granted.”
For Chiefs fans, that whistle wasn’t just loud — it was haunting.
And for the NFL, Sunday’s game may have been the breaking point that forces real change.
Steelers Steal Buccaneers Safety Ahead of Week 6 Showdown
Pittsburgh, PA – October 6, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quiet but meaningful roster move to start Week 6, adding depth to their secondary after a well-timed bye week that strengthened their AFC North lead.
The team officially announced the signing of safety Jack Henderson to their practice squad on Monday. The rookie out of Minnesota recorded three interceptions in two collegiate seasons with the Golden Gophers before entering the NFL earlier this year.
Henderson, who has already spent time with both the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025, now brings his athleticism and versatility to Pittsburgh’s evolving defensive rotation.
This signing comes as the Steelers continue to monitor the health of
The move reflects the team’s proactive approach — building security at a key position while maintaining momentum in the standings. With all three AFC North rivals losing in Week 5, Pittsburgh’s timing couldn’t be better.
As the Steelers return home to Acrisure Stadium, fans can expect the defense to stay as sharp and aggressive as ever — now with another promising young safety waiting for his chance to shine.
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