BREAKING: Patrick Mahomes Faces Possible NFL Suspension After Controversial Lions Game

KANSAS CITY, MO — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes may find himself in hot water with the NFL following an incident in the team’s Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions. The reigning MVP is under scrutiny for an alleged taunting gesture directed at Lions defensive back Brian Branch after scoring a touchdown late in the second quarter.

While the play was not flagged during the game, the NFL reviews all plays for potential infractions, and Mahomes could face a fine for his actions.

With less than a minute left in the first half, Mahomes executed a brilliant option play near the goal line, keeping the ball himself and running it in for a touchdown. As he crossed the plane, Mahomes appeared to make a taunting gesture toward Lions defensive back Brian Branch. The action, which was not penalized during the game, has since sparked debate among fans and analysts.

The NFL has been cracking down on taunting in recent years, with the 2025 season seeing even stricter enforcement. Players were informed before the season began that officials would be paying closer attention to unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting gestures.

One of the specific examples of taunting outlined by the league is a player flexing toward an opponent after a play, which many believe is exactly what Mahomes did during his touchdown celebration.

The incident quickly became a hot topic on social media, with fans and commentators questioning why Mahomes was not flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

“Patrick Mahomes is the only player in the NFL who can taunt defenders. It’s in the NFL Rulebook,” one fan sarcastically posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others pointed out what they see as a double standard in the league’s treatment of its star players. Critics noted that while Mahomes’ gesture was celebrated on social media and used to promote the play, other players might have been penalized or fined for similar actions.

Teddy Ricketson of The Sporting News weighed in, highlighting the NFL’s recent emphasis on cracking down on taunting. “The NFL sent out memos to its officials that they were going to be trained on cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct, with a particular attention to taunting,” Ricketson wrote.

While Mahomes avoided a penalty during the game, he could still face a fine when the league reviews the play. The NFL’s policy allows for fines to be issued for infractions that are not flagged during a game.

According to the NFL’s website, the first offense for taunting carries a fine of $11,593, with a second offense increasing to $17,389.

Mahomes is no stranger to fines. In 2023, he was fined $50,000 for “verbally abusing” referees during a loss to the Buffalo Bills. The following year, he faced another fine of more than $14,000 for a “violent gesture” against the Bills.

The incident has reignited conversations about inconsistencies in how the NFL enforces its rules. Fans have pointed to other players who have escaped punishment for taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct this season.

For example, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to make a gun motion during a game against the Miami Dolphins earlier this season—a celebration that is explicitly banned by the NFL. However, Allen was neither flagged nor fined for the action.

This perceived inconsistency has led to accusations of favoritism toward star players like Mahomes and Allen, with some fans and analysts calling on the league to ensure equal treatment for all players.

Mahomes was also involved in another controversial moment during the fourth quarter of the game. Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson delivered a late hit on Mahomes, knocking the quarterback to the ground and drawing a penalty that gave the Chiefs a free first down.

Mahomes appeared visibly frustrated after the hit, exchanging words with Hutchinson as he got up. While the penalty was called on the field, the NFL could still review the play and issue a fine to Hutchinson for the late hit.

The NFL is expected to announce its fines for Week 6 infractions on Saturday, and Mahomes could be among those penalized. While a potential fine for taunting would likely be minor in financial terms—$11,593 for a first offense—it could add to the growing perception of inconsistency in how the league enforces its rules.

For Mahomes, the incident is unlikely to have a significant impact on his reputation, as he remains one of the league’s most marketable and respected players. However, it does serve as a reminder that even the NFL’s biggest stars are not immune to scrutiny.

As for the Chiefs, they will look to move past the controversy and continue their march toward another playoff run. With Mahomes at the helm, the team remains a top contender, but the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on the quarterback as the league announces its disciplinary decisions in the coming days.

Stay tuned for updates as the NFL reviews the play and determines whether Mahomes or other players involved in Sunday’s game will face fines or other penalties.