Packers Safety Was Fined For What Every Fan Was Already Thinking
After Green Bay’s 20-17 loss to Detroit Lions in Week 7, safety Xavier McKinney said what half of Wisconsin was already yelling at the television:
“I don’t know how the NFL’s going to treat it, but I’m not a big fan of the refs right now. I don’t think it’s great officiating, if I’m being completely honest.”
The league treated it the traditional way. It fined him $25,000.
McKinney himself revealed the punishment after Thursday night’s 27-19 win over Carolina Panthers, making it clear he had no regrets about speaking up. The NFL officially fined Packers safety Xavier McKinney $25,000 for his post-game criticism of officials after Green Bay’s loss in Detroit, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That figure is also the minimum fine for a player who criticizes an official.
McKinney went further in locker room rant: “Like, it just be b******* that’s going on, b******* calls.”
Context: Referee Alex Moore’s crew called eight penalties against Packers for 81 yards in Lions game. Biggest talking points were roughing-the-passer calls against Brenton Cox Jr. and Karl Brooks — Tom Brady in FOX booth: “That’s definitely not roughing the passer!” Former VP of Officiating Dean Blandino backed Brady. NFL later reassigned Moore’s crew from primetime Eagles vs Commanders assignment.
McKinney was also fined $11,593 for taunting in 2025 season opener, also against Detroit.
Fans reaction: “It’s Getting Ridiculous,” “He’s Speaking the Truth,” “He Wasn’t Wrong,” “Refs Get Away With Everything” — fans slammed NFL’s $25K fine.
That fine is also why Jordan Love’s Halloween blind referee costume hit so different — Love and wife Ronika dressed as blind refs days later, and LaFleur called it hilarious but wouldn’t say more, because McKinney had already been hit.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
