The Detroit Lions enjoyed a bye week in Week 8, which allowed them time to celebrate their 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 19. That Week 7 win was a statement performance for Detroit, improving their record to 5-2 as they entered the break with strong momentum.
However, the week off also allowed more reflection on what unfolded during and after that matchup. NFL games often come with plenty of controversy, and the Lions vs. Buccaneers clash was no exception. Some players on Tampa Bay’s roster expressed frustration with the officiating, and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t hold back his feelings once the game ended.
“A third down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, and also I’m still pretty damn confused about the double review,” Mayfield said after the game, via NBC Sports. “A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable.”
He continued, “There was a lot of frustration after that. Maybe it came out on John Hussey in the moment, but I work my butt off and put a lot into this game, so when things don’t seem fair, I’m going to speak up.”
The NFL generally dislikes when players criticize officiating after games. They routinely issue fines to those who publicly challenge referees or the league’s officiating standards.
It wasn’t long ago that the NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes for postgame comments directed at officials after a loss to the Bills in 2023. According to the league’s website, “Reid received a $100,000 fine for publicly criticizing the officials, while Mahomes’ $50,000 fine was for unsportsmanlike conduct involving abusive or insulting language, along with public criticism of the referees.”
Each week of the NFL season, the league issues fines and penalties for actions that occur during the previous week’s contests. As noted on NFL.com, these disciplinary actions are designed “to protect players from unnecessary risk and uphold competitive balance and game integrity through agreed-upon accountability measures.”
So, Mayfield appeared to be at risk of a fine. Yet, the NFL made its official ruling—and chose not to penalize him.
Detroit Lions Do Receive Fine
While Mayfield avoided punishment, one Lions player did not. In the Week 7 disciplinary report, defensive end Tyrus Wheat was fined $5,722 for “unnecessary roughness” and “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing.” Wheat tripped Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield while he was attempting a pass. The referees did not throw a flag on the play and instead credited Wheat with a sack.
According to the NFL, all fines are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “assist former players in need,” and to the NFL Foundation to further enhance the health, safety, and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and their supporting communities.
The Detroit Lions have just wrapped up their bye week and now turn their focus toward their next matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 2. The Vikings’ ongoing quarterback uncertainty could make things easier for Detroit heading into the divisional showdown.
