The refs and the Chiefs saga continues. We are getting closer to the Super Bowl game with each passing day, but people are still hanging onto the past. The dust from the Texans vs. Chiefs divisional game has still not settled. Now, it looks like even if the Chiefs win their third straight Lombardi Trophy, the criticism will only get worse. Whenever you think you’ll catch a break from this drama, someone new jumps into the fray with their take. This time, it’s the two biggest media groups. And for Adam Schefter, there’s no turning back now.

Enter Nick Wright, Fox host and sports podcaster. Wright is fuming with ESPN reporter Adam Schefter for not doing the “right” journalism. Let us set the stage for you. You are all aware of the controversial refereeing calls during the Texans vs. Chiefs game. The entire NFL tuned into a debate zone, with everyone chiming in with their opinions. Adam Schefter also took the opportunity to voice his.

“For all those complaining that Patrick Mahomes gets too many calls, relief soon could be on the way. NFL replay assist is expected to expand this offseason into plays that could include the quarterback slide, league sources told ESPN,” wrote Schefter on his X account earlier this week. This comment did not sit well with Nick. Schefter also wrote an article on the replay review, which Nick believes is an example of “terrible journalism“ on his part. “I was enraged by this for a number of reasons. But here’s the primary one. That’s terrible, terrible journalism to write that article,” said Nick.

Wright then brought up Schefter’s second post, which shared some stats that seemed to back up the idea that NFL refs might be rigging games to help the Chiefs. The Fox host had only a few words for that second post: “Naked stats with no context.”

Adam Schefter’s response: The debate heats up

After Schefter’s comments sparked a social media uproar, Chiefs fans started hurling brutal criticism his way. And it was time for other players, analysts, and TV show hosts to chime in. Former Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz lashed out at the ESPN reporter, backing up his team. “It’s insane that someone in the league is pushing this, and/or allowing the most visible person to spew this kind of BS. Maybe the Chiefs are better coached and don’t hit QBs late or in the head/neck. Back in my day teams who got less penalties called were considered better coached.” 

The day after his “enraging” post, Adam Schefter made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. The ESPN reporter clarified his stance, saying, “The facts are the facts, and I presented the facts… There was zero agenda.” He then added, ” I’m not in that camp. I’m just telling you when that information comes out, the news is that the NFL is going to be expanding replay assist. They’re probably going to include the quarterback slide, and here are some numbers. Sorry that offended people.”

But no way are Nick Wright and all the Chiefs fans buying this. These referee accusations are something the Chiefs have been dealing with for quite some time now. But Adam Schefter’s post just attracted widespread media attention – likely because of his position and influence as a reporter across the NFL world. On this, Nick Wright said, “I get why the anonymous accounts are feeding into this: They get paid off of engagement, and that’s their hustle. But for @AdamSchefter, who makes $9M a year, to feed into this on arguably the single best day of football of the year, just to satisfy the algorithm, is a disservice to fans.”

To put it simply, people aren’t going to let Adam Schefter off the hook easily. At least not until after the Super Bowl. And depending on how refereeing decisions go in the game, one way or another, perhaps not even then.