Ref Shawn Hochuli Apologizes to Bills, Denies Intentional Bias — Hopes Team Withdraws Complaint to Avoid Suspension
Buffalo, NY – October 8, 2025
One day after being suspended for his controversial handling of the Bills–Patriots game, referee Shawn Hochuli has publicly apologized to the Buffalo Bills organization and their fans
Hochuli admitted that several late-game calls, including the questionable late-hit penalty on Drake Maye and the missed holding
Bills flagged for a late hit as Drake Maye was sliding.
pic.twitter.com/mkgpHpPoiC — Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 6, 2025
“We made errors that changed the rhythm of the game — that’s on us,” Hochuli said in his statement. “But there was no intent, no favoritism, no conspiracy. Just judgment calls that we wish we had back.”
The apology comes as league sources confirm the Bills have filed an official complaint regarding officiating integrity. The NFL has placed Hochuli’s entire crew on indefinite administrative leave, marking one of the rare full-crew suspensions in recent years.
Hochuli also referenced the James Cook hit, which went unflagged despite being clearly after the whistle, admitting that “it was a miss we should’ve caught.”
James Cook takes a hard hit after he was down from the rookie Farmer
pic.twitter.com/jr0s3pcJ6I — Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 6, 2025
“We study tape, we take accountability, and we learn,” Hochuli added. “I love this game, and I’d never do anything to damage its integrity. I just hope Buffalo can reconsider their complaint so we can focus on improving instead of punishing.”
While the league has not commented on any reinstatement timeline, Hochuli’s statement has drawn mixed reactions — some praising his honesty, others calling it “too late” after what fans dubbed
For Bills fans, the apology may bring acknowledgment, but the loss — and the controversy — will linger far longer than the flags that never flew.
Chargers Announce Internal Discipline for Teair Tart After Slap on Travis Kelce
The Los Angeles Chargers have announced internal disciplinary measures against defensive tackle Teair Tart following his slap on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during Week 1’s heated AFC West showdown.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz confirmed the decision Monday morning, making it clear the organization would not tolerate behavior that undermines the team’s values or damages the league’s reputation. “We have thoroughly reviewed Teair Tart’s actions. His behavior and words do not represent the standards of the Los Angeles Chargers. In a moment of overreaction, he committed a wrong act toward Travis Kelce, and today he must accept the consequences of that choice,”
According to team officials, Tart will be fined $10,000 internally, a sum estimated at 20–50% of his weekly salary. The money will be directed to team-affiliated charities, including the Chargers Autism Foundation, ensuring that the punishment contributes to a positive cause.
Beyond the fine, Tart has also been ordered to issue a public apology — either at a press conference or via an official social media statement. He will be expected to address his conduct openly, apologize directly to Kelce, the Chiefs organization, and the NFL as a whole.
As part of the disciplinary package, the Chargers will require Tart to complete four weeks of community service. Team leadership believes this measure will not only hold him accountable but also give him the opportunity to rebuild trust through visible, constructive action.
The slap incident occurred during a tense second-quarter exchange, when Tart became visibly frustrated after a Chiefs scoring drive. Cameras captured the confrontation with Kelce, sparking immediate debate across social media and leading to calls for accountability.
The NFL has not yet announced any additional league-imposed penalties, though officials are reviewing the situation. By moving quickly with an internal ruling, the Chargers are signaling both their intolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct and their commitment to maintaining the franchise’s integrity.
For Tart, the next step is clear: accept responsibility and work to repair the image of both himself and the team. For the Chargers, the message is equally clear — accountability comes first, no matter the situation.
