Baker Mayfield didn’t bite his tongue after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped a 24-9 Monday night clunker to the Detroit Lions. The QB went after the zebras with both barrels blazing, singling out head referee John Hussey for what he called “questionable” calls.
It wasn’t just another postgame gripe session. Mayfield was seen jawing at Hussey during the game’s final drive, and following his post-game comments, it seems like another hefty fine is heading his way.
The league doesn’t usually tolerate players publicly ripping officials, but Mayfield didn’t hesitate to call them out.
Baker Mayfield Slams NFL Officiating Crew After Bucs’ Loss to Lions
Early in the fourth quarter, the Bucs had a big 4th-and-4 play. Baker Mayfield threw to Cade Otton, and it was first called a first down. Lions coach Dan Campbell challenged the spot.
Then, in a rare move, the officials looked at it again and changed their decision, ruling Otton short of the chains and giving Lions the ball but in Bucs’ territory. And it was enough to kill their comeback hope.
That double-take by the officials sent Mayfield over the edge. “A third down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, and also still pretty damn confused about the double review,” Mayfield told reporters.
Baker Mayfield calls out the officiating after Bucs 24-9 loss to Lions.
“Still pretty damn confused about the double review. Lot of things in that game that were a little questionable … when things I don’t deem are fair I’m going to let somebody know.” pic.twitter.com/HE5Ng1VDZ9
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) October 21, 2025
He continued, “A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable. A lot of frustration at the end of that. It might be displaced onto John Hussey in the moment, but I work my ass off and I put a lot into this game, so when things I don’t seem are deemed fair, I’m going to let somebody know.”
The controversial reversal wasn’t the only beef. Mayfield also mentioned a late-game interception involving Otton where officials ruled against the Bucs on a 50-50 ball. He let everyone know about his frustration.
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For the unversed, this isn’t Mayfield’s first run-in with the league office. In October 2019, the NFL fined him $12,500 for calling officials “pretty bad” after the Browns’ loss to the Seahawks. Following the latest scathing rant, again it feels like another hit is coming close to his pocket.
Fans Split on Mayfield’s Bold Stance Against Officials
The fanbase didn’t stay quiet, either. Many social media platforms lit up with supporters backing Mayfield’s frustration, while others shared their own complaints about inconsistent officiating around the league.
One Lions fan showed surprising empathy, penning, “As a Lions fan who felt screwed last week, Bucs fans have every right to be pissed about tonight’s game. A lot of questionable, missed, and bad calls went against the Bucs. Refs need to do better.”
Another Detroit supporter echoed the sentiment, adding, “As a Lions fan, I can respect the hell outta what he had to say about it all. We literally went thru this same BS last week, and it’s not ok @NFL & @NFLOfficiating.”
But darker theories emerged too. One fan suggested, “Since the NFL has been involved in gambling, these are the things they do.”
Another claimed, “Looks pretty bad with all this gambling going on especially when the calls are so bad every Sunday been watching football since the 40s never saw anything like it.”
It is safe to say Mayfield’s passion resonated with fans tired of officiating inconsistencies, even if it costs him money.
