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Patrick Mahomes Responds to Claims the Referees Are Rigging Games for Him and the Chiefs

Kansas City and its star quarterback are one win away from a berth in Super Bowl LIX

Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Patrick Mahomes is batting down claims of preferential treatment as the Kansas City Chiefs move ever-closer to a Super Bowl berth.

With his team being one win away from the title game and after a 15-2 regular season, the quarterback said he is not surprised about how non-Chiefs fans have had a season-long beef with the refs.

“I‘ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, that something’s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win, so I don’t really pay attention to it,” Mahomes, 29, said on his weekly guest spot on local radio.

“I mean, obviously I’ve been on both sides of it as far as how I felt the calls were made, but at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game. And that’s what decides the outcome.”

He added, “And obviously there was a call here or there that people didn’t agree with, but at the same time, I think there was a lot of other plays that really decided the outcome of that football game.”

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

In Saturday’s 23-14 divisional win against the Houston Texans, Mahomes & Co. outlasted a resurgent effort by the C.J. Stroud-led team. Tight end Travis Kelce had seven receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown, which was enjoyed thoroughly by girlfriend Taylor Swift and special guest Caitlin Clark from their perch, as well as wife Brittany Mahomes, who continued the couple’s tradition of a pre-game kiss, despite having given birth to their third child six days earlier.

But Texans fans were aghast at two costly roughing-call penalties that significantly helped out the Chiefs’ — one of which even the signal-caller understands seemingly crossed the line.

“I would say that the only one I felt like I probably did too much was the one on the sideline where I didn’t get a flag and the ref saw it and didn’t throw a flag, and I understood it immediately, and know that I probably shouldn’t have done that,” Mahomes said. “But at the same time, the one that everybody’s talking about where I fell down, it’s like I was just trying to get out of the way of getting smoked by the defensive lineman running in. “So I’ll try to keep doing that and not take those hits because that’s the smart way to stay in the football game.“

The Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Social Media Is Lashing Out At Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Nicole For Her “Petty” Actions Towards Caitlin Clark After Spotting Her With Taylor Swift At Chiefs Game

Kayla Nicole Taylor Swift Caitlin Clark (Photos via Getty Images and Instagram)
Kayla Nicole spoke highly of her ex-boyfriend Travis Kelce before their upcoming AFC Championship game, but it appears she has a huge problem with what Caitlin Clark did during the Chiefs-Texand Divisional round matchup.

Bills @ Chiefs – NFL Game Preview for January 26, 2025

Fans online noticed that Nicole promptly unfollowed Caitlin Clark on Instagram after the WNBA star’s viral encounter with Taylor Swift inside Arrowhead Stadium.

Clark was spotted in Swift’s suite during the game. This came after she recently appeared as a guest on the Kelce brothers’ podcast, New Heights, where she spoke about her support for the Chiefs.

Clark, who grew up in Iowa, said she would attend one Chiefs game a year because her cousin lived in Kansas City.

Going to the game was fine, but it seems her sitting with Taylor Swift was a huge problem for Kayla Nicole.

“I’m sure Caitlin is devastated 😂,” one fan mocked.

“CC catching stray as always👀,” a second fan added.

“oh, she’s DESPERATE,” one fan said of Nicole.

“Is Kayla Nicole petty?” a fan asked.

“I promise, that young lady doesn’t care nor know who the f–k she is,” one final fan said.

After leading Iowa to two straight national runner-up finishes in the NCAA women’s tournament, Clark was selected number one in the Draft and then led the Indiana Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Kayla Nicole Still Hasn’t Moved On

Almost three years after her breakup with Travis Kelce, Kayla Nicole cannot escape the shadow of the Chiefs tight end.

Nicole might be tired of hearing about his new relationship, but she also does not make it any easier by constantly bringing him up.

The social media influencer opened up about how she handled their 2022 split on an episode of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”

“Going through a public breakup, just to be frank, it’s been overwhelming. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Nicole said.

She has yet to start dating anyone since their breakup.

Blake Lively’s Legal Team Slams Released It Ends With Us Footage, Says ‘Every Frame’ Corroborates Her Claims

Lawyers for Blake Lively called the ‘It Ends with Us’ footage that Justin Baldoni’s team released to the media part of a “harassment and retaliatory campaign”

Justin Baldoni; Blake Lively. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Blake Lively’s legal team is firing back after attorneys for Justin Baldoni released footage shedding light on the actors’ behind-the-scenes conflict on It Ends with Us.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman released a video, obtained by TMZ, in an effort to refute some of Lively’s claims made in her Dec. 20 sexual harassment complaint against her director-costar. The footage depicts Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 37, filming a dialogue-free scene in the hit 2024 movie, speaking out of character to joke about his nose and her spray tan.

The actress-producer’s lawyers now say in a statement shared with PEOPLE that “every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter,” what Lively included in her lawsuit about that scene.

In her Dec. 20 complaint suing Baldoni and some of his associates, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign against her, Lively claimed he exhibited “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior on the set of the hit Colleen Hoover adaptation, causing a “hostile work environment” and “grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.”

In Lively’s complaint was the accusation that during a “slow dance scene,” Baldoni “leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck as he said, ‘It smells so good.’ ”

Blake Lively; Justin Baldoni.Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock; Christopher Peterson / SplashNews

After “caressing” Lively “with his mouth in a way that had nothing to do with their roles,” Baldoni later allegedly responded to her objection by saying, “I’m not even attracted to you,” according to the filing.

Baldoni countered with a Dec. 31 lawsuit against The New York Times for libel, false light invasion of privacy and more over an article covering her allegations. He then filed a $400 million lawsuit on Jan. 16 against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, claiming defamation, extortion and more.

The latter suit alleges that, while filming a “romance montage” of their characters, the Gossip Girl alum implied that Baldoni should get plastic surgery to fix his nose. In the released video, both can be seen making quips about his nose, including a joke Lively makes referencing plastic surgery.

“Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning,” reads the statement from Lively’s legal team.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in ‘It Ends With Us’.Sony Pictures Entertainment

“The video shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character. Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present.”

Lively’s lawyers continue, “Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively’s boss. The video shows Ms. Lively leaning away and repeatedly asking for the characters to just talk. Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort. They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching. No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent.”

The statement concludes that releasing the It Ends with Us footage to the media “is another example of an unethical attempt to manipulate the public. It is also a continuation of their harassment and retaliatory campaign. While they are focused on misleading media narratives, we are focused on the legal process. We are continuing our efforts to require Mr. Baldoni and his associates to answer in court, under oath, rather than through manufactured media stunts.”

Also on Jan. 21, Baldoni’s attorneys promised to launch a website that will contain “all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash her claims.”

Jason Kelce Reveals His and Wife Kylie Kelce’s Post-NFL Season Travel Plans Ahead of Welcoming Baby No. 4

The retired Philadelphia Eagles center, who tied the knot with Kylie in 2018, shared his hopes of both a tropical and snowy vacation

Kylie and Jason Kelce at the Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies game in Philadelphia on March 30, 2024. Photo: Shutterstock

Jason and Kylie Kelce are planning to live it up after the NFL season.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, released Jan. 22, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center, 37, revealed that he and his wife, 32, plan on going on vacation after the football season is over.

“Kylie and I have been talking about going to Turks and Caicos for a long time,” he told his brother and co-host Travis Kelce. “I heard the water is really nice down there. It seems like it’s a pretty good environment.”

The ESPN host — who shares daughters Wyatt, 5, Elliotte, 3, Bennett, 22 months, and is expecting a fourth daughter with Kylie — continued, “I wouldn’t mind doing a ski trip. We haven’t really done that with the girls. I think Wyatt might be into it, plus I want to go skiing.”

Agreeing with Travis’ comment about their skiing trips being “so memorable,” Jason said, “It’s the best. I love snow.”

Jason and Kylie Kelce.Kylie Kelce/ Instagram

Kylie Kelce Is Très Chic in Cannes (While Jason Sports His Beloved Flip Flops and a Tank Top, True to Form)

“I love the mountains, I love snow, I love going fast speeds and risking my life,” Travis, 35, joked, to which his older brother added, “Yeah, in a controlled manner.”

Jason’s comments come after he spoke to PEOPLE about how he and his wife manage their busy traveling schedules while parenting their growing brood.

Jason and Kylie Kelce pictured with daughters Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett.Kylie Kelce/Instagram

Kylie Kelce Admits the 1 Thing That Made Her Nervous at Wedding — and How Jason Kelce Helped Her Through It

The former athlete, who hosts the ESPN show They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, travels every week for the show, as well as for other brand partnerships.

“We don’t travel as much with the girls,” he told PEOPLE. “We go back and forth because we want them to travel and experience things. At the same time, they’re so young.”

“We’ve done Disney with them a few times and they definitely love that,” he added. “When we’re around, we try and we watch movies sometimes, which we know that they enjoy.”

Justin Baldoni uses original ‘It Ends With Us’ footage against Blake Lively

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Justin Baldoni releases new ‘It Ends With Us’ footage in Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit

Justin Baldoni is coming forward with raw evidence against Blake Lively as a response to her sexual harassment allegations.

The actor’s legal team has released raw video footage from the set of It Ends With Us to counter the lawsuit.

The 10-minute video, shared by Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman and obtained by Page Six, addresses Lively’s claims about inappropriate behavior during a slow dancing scene.

According to Baldoni’s legal counsel, the footage, filmed in May 2023, contradicts Lively’s accusations.

“The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism,” the statement reads, emphasizing that the footage includes three takes filmed in sequence.

In the video, Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 40, are seen slow dancing in a bar while extras cheer for a game in the background.

The actors are captured engaging in small talk on their microphones, mentioning their respective spouses, Ryan Reynolds and Emily Baldoni. At one point, Lively suggests that talking while dancing feels “more romantic,” to which Baldoni agrees.

When their noses touch during an embrace, Lively jokes about feeling “so nosey,” and Baldoni responds, “I know. And my nose is so big.”

Lively adds humorously, “Yes. I was hoping we could address this. It’s not too late,” suggesting surgery in jest. This exchange seems to support Baldoni’s claim that Lively spoke negatively about his appearance.

In another take, Baldoni jokes about possibly “getting beard” on Lively, and she responds by saying she might be transferring her spray tan to him. He lightheartedly replies, “It smells good.”

Baldoni’s legal team released this footage in response to Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, aiming to refute her allegations and present their side of the story.

OMG!! Travis Kelce’s $9 Million Car Gift to Taylor Swift in Appreciation for Her Love and Support is Turning Heads in details below 😱👇

 

OMG!! Travis Kelce’s $9 Million Car Gift to Taylor Swift in Appreciation for Her Love and Support is Turning Heads in Kansas City

Travis Kelce is pulling out all the stops to show his appreciation for Taylor Swift! The Kansas City Chiefs star reportedly gifted the pop icon a stunning $9 million luxury car as a heartfelt gesture to thank her for the love and support she’s brought into his life.

The lavish gift has left fans in Kansas City and beyond buzzing. From Swift’s surprise appearances at Chiefs games to their viral moments together, the couple has captured the hearts of millions — and Kelce’s extravagant gift takes things to a whole new level.

Social media exploded with reactions:
“Travis just raised the bar for boyfriend goals,” one fan tweeted.
Another joked, “Forget flowers, he’s gifting million-dollar cars now?! #PowerCoupleGoals.”

The car, rumored to be a custom Rolls-Royce with unique detailing inspired by Swift’s music, is said to reflect both their personalities — luxury, style, and a touch of romance.

While neither Kelce nor Swift has confirmed the gift, fans are convinced it’s another sign that the couple’s relationship is stronger than ever.

“They’re living a real-life love story,” one Kansas City fan said. “And we’re all here for it!”

Travis Kelce’s Ex ‘Bored’ of Chiefs’ Dominance, Rooting For Bills

Travis Kelce’s Ex, Kayla NicoleChiefs Are A Snoozefest …I Want Bills In Super Bowl!!!

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Travis Kelce‘s ex-girlfriend is giving up her spot in Chiefs Kingdom for good — Kayla Nicole says she’s ready for another team to win the Super Bowl … calling Kansas City’s recent dominance flat-out “boring.”

The influencer and “Special Forces” contestant shared her two cents on the Chiefs’ quest for a third straight championship during an episode of “I Am Athlete Daily” on Monday … and even though she was a staple at Arrowhead Stadium for YEARS in support of her former man, it’s clear she’s no longer pulling for K.C.

Kayla explained the success she witnessed all those years has lost its luster … and she’s actively rooting for the Buffalo Bills in this weekend’s AFC Championship Game — ’cause a Chiefs loss means there will be a new NFL king.

Ex-NFL star Brandon Marshall mentioned Kayla’s history of supporting the franchise — while noting he didn’t want to get “messy” with her past — and asked what made Patrick Mahomes “so special.”

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Kayla gave credit to Mahomes’ skill and being a student of the game, the stadium’s atmosphere and Andy Reid‘s coaching … before surprisingly name-dropping her former partner, saying he’s a sure thing with his hands.

Kayla previously opened up on how she had to separate herself from the Mahomes family amid their growing friendship with Kelce’s new girl, Taylor Swift … claiming she had to protect herself while everyone moved on.

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But she’s made it clear she won’t let her private life interfere with her gig at I Am Athlete … as she has mentioned Kelce when necessary.

So … got room for one more, Bills Mafia??

A reporter asked Travis Kelce if he’s feeling 25 years old again, and Travis said he’s feeling 22!!

The Kansas City Chiefs player also notably gave Swift a ’22’ hat at the party celebrating the end of her record-breaking Eras Tour in December

Taylor Swift (L) and Travis Kelce are seen in SoHo on Oct. 11, 2024 in New York City. Photo: TheStewartofNY/GC Images

Travis Kelce has a few choice words — courtesy of girlfriend Taylor Swift — when describing how he feels heading into the postseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs player, 35, was asked on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Jan. 13 about his mindset heading into the playoffs of the 12th season of his career, prompting him to respond with a reference to a popular song from Swift’s Red album.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22,” Kelce joked, remarking on his energy on the field.

The song is a noteworthy one for the couple, as Kelce previously honored his Grammy-winner girlfriend, 35, by giving her a “22” hat — mirroring a much-loved moment from her shows where she gives the hat to a young fan — to celebrate the end of her record-breaking tour in December.

Travis Kelce gives Taylor Swift the ’22’ hat at the Eras surprise party.Ashley Avignone/Instagram

Kelce will no doubt be getting support from the “Fortnight” singer as he and his team attempt to secure another Super Bowl win. Swift celebrated his victory over the Baltimore Ravens last year with a kiss and some words of encouragement on the field after the game.

During an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show before the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 18, Kelce said, “I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy.”

Taylor Swift (left) and Travis Kelce on Dec. 28, 2024 in New York City.XNY/Star Max/GC Images

“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” Kelce said. “That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”

“I think I’m as focused as I’ve ever been on my job and being the best player that I could possibly be week in and week out for this team,” he added. “It’s because I don’t have to worry about things off the field.”

Travis Kelce at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 19, 2023 in Glendale, Ariz.Michael Owens/Getty

That mutual support appears to have fueled him during his recent games, including the Chiefs’ Christmas Day game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards to help the Chiefs secure a 29-10 victory against the Steelers.

So far this season, Kelce has had 823 receiving yards in 16 games and made three touchdowns, according to his stats on ESPN. Though the numbers aren’t his career highest, his teammates, including Patrick Mahomes noted that the tight end often ups his games in the postseason.

“I think it’s just the greats, man. They step up in the playoffs and it’s just higher intensity,” Mahomes said, per the NFL. “The best players and the best leaders step up and make the best plays, and he’s done that, and (I) expect the same from him going into these playoffs.”

Travis Kelce Reacts to Lil Wayne Calling His Team ‘The Cheating Azz Chiefs’

This comes after fans and players criticized the referees for making several controversial calls during the Chiefs’ recent game against the Houston Texans

Travis Kelce; Lil Wayne. Photo: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty; Frazer Harrison/Getty

Travis Kelce is clearing the air with Lil Wayne.

On the latest episode of their New Heights podcast, released Wednesday, Jan. 22, the NFL player, 35, and his brother Jason Kelce shared their thoughts on the rapper’s less than positive reaction to the Kansas City Chiefs’ win after their latest playoff game.

“The whole world was talking about something else during the game, and I’m sure you saw some of this, but they were complaining about the refs again, Trav,” former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason, 37, said on the podcast.

“Even Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne [wrote on social media], ‘I hate the cheating a- Chiefs. So an a– with two z’s,” Jason added, to which Travis responded using the rapper’s nickname, “Shout out to Tunechie, man.”

This comes after fans — and even players — criticized the referees for making several controversial calls during the Chiefs’ game against the Houston Texans during their latest AFC division game on Saturday, Jan. 18, according to ESPN and Fox News.

The Texans’ defense received penalties on two separate occasions for contact with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which helped extend the Chiefs’ drives, and helped propel them to a 23-14 victory against the Texans, according to ESPN.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in response to one penalty, “These refs are ridiculous… How is a flag on the Texans?? Mahomes slid way too late. Awful.” Another shared a photo of several referee flags on the ground and joked, “NFL refs when Patrick Mahomes gets touched.”

Lil Wayne, 42, who is a Green Bay Packers fan, wrote in a separate post on X, “It’s not even impressive when u cheat and then clearly try to cheat. Just win baby.”

Will Anderson Jr., who had received one penalty for roughing the passer on Mahomes, 29, shared in an interview with ESPN that he was not impressed with the calls made during Saturday’s game. “We knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game,” he said.

Travis Kelce warming up ahead of the Chiefs game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 18, 2025.David Smith/CSM/Shutterstock

Texans’ coach DeMeco Ryans echoed his sentiments in a post-game interview, saying, per ESPN, “We knew going into this game, man, it was us versus everybody. And when I say everybody, it’s everybody. Knowing that going into this game, what we were up against, we can’t make the mistakes that we made…”

As for Travis, he also contributed heavily to the Chiefs’ win on Saturday with seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, according to an article on the Chiefs’ website. Mahomes previously praised the tight end for his work in the post-season, saying that Travis was “one of those guys” that makes “big-time plays in big-time games.”

“He doesn’t let the moment be bigger than what it is,” Mahomes said. “He just goes [out] there and executes at a high level just like he does in the regular season. He just does that [at] a little bit higher intensity [in the playoffs].”

The Chiefs are next scheduled to take on the Buffalo Bills for the AFC Conference Championship in a matchup on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Stephen A Smith Doesn’t Hold Back While Hinting At NFL Refs Rigging Games Because Of Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift and Stephen A Smith (Photos via Getty Images)
Stephen A Smith had an interesting theory on the good favor the Kansas City Chiefs seemingly get from NFL referees during every outing.

The Chiefs are often accused of getting preferential treatment from officials, who have even been accused of rigging games in their favor.

The accusations grew much louder on Saturday as the defending champions benefitted from several questionable calls against the Houston Texans. Multiple Texans players suggested that they had been hard done by with regards to the officiating, and head coach Demeco Ryans echoed their claims.

Stephen A Smith Cited The Taylor Swift Effect Amid Chiefs Accusations

Smith addressed the controversy during ‘First Take’ this Monday, suggesting that fans shouldn’t be blamed for thinking that the allure of Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift could have some influence on the officials.

“Here’s where the controversy comes in and it’s uncomfortable but we’ll say it because it’s First Take,” he said, per BroBible. “We’ll bring up the fact that Patrick Mahomes has box office appeal. We’ll bring up the fact that Taylor Swift being a Chiefs fan doesn’t hurt. That doesn’t mean the officials go out there and intentionally do this stuff, but it ain’t like the audience doesn’t have a reason to say, ‘What the hell is going on here?’”

 

The Chiefs are one win away from another Super Bowl appearance, which they hope will see them win a third consecutive title. Standing in their way is a desperate Buffalo Bills team led by an equally impressive Josh Allen.