Patrick Mahomes responds to accusations of flopping and bias from referees following controversy over penalties.

The officiating complaints in Saturday's playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans were heard by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' quarterback.

The harsh criticism of referees over two penalties assessed to Houston for hits on Mahomes was due to Houston edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.'s roughing of the passer on a third down in the first quarter.

After throwing an incomplete pass to tight end Travis Kelce, Mahomes was pushed in the chest by Anderson, resulting in a flag.

In the third quarter, Mahomes faced two blockers and three defenders while on a run. He then moved to his right and then back to his left before deciding to slide.

The Chiefs were favored by the referees with calls, as suggested by Houston players and head coach DeMeco Ryans after the game.

Mahomes addressed the fan backlash during an interview on 96.5 The Fan Tuesday.

Mahomes stated that he has learned that if he wins the game, something will eventually come out about it, so he doesn't pay attention to it.

As someone who has experienced both sides of the calls, I understand that the players are doing their best to make the best decisions and let the players make the plays in the game.

"The outcome was determined by various factors, including calls that people disagreed with, as well as other plays that had a significant impact on the game."

After the game, head referee Clay Martin explained the calls to a pool reporter, stating that the call on Anderson was due to "contact to the face mask area," which warranted a flag. Additionally, he said there was "hairline contact" on Mahomes, leading to the other unnecessary roughness call.

Criticism was directed at Mahomes by many fans after he fell to the ground following a light hit from Texans defenders in the fourth quarter. Some fans accused the star quarterback of intentionally "flopping" to draw a penalty, while ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman also criticized Mahomes for the fall during the game.

Aikman explained that instead of simply running out of bounds, the player is attempting to draw the penalty by slowing down. This has been a source of frustration for defensive players around the league, and Aikman understands and sympathizes with their plight.

In an interview on Tuesday, Mahomes admitted that he "probably shouldn't have done that."

Mahomes stated that the only player he felt like he likely overdid was the one on the sideline who didn't receive a flag, and the ref didn't throw one. He immediately understood the situation and knew he shouldn't have done it.

While the topic of my fall is being widely discussed, it felt like I was merely attempting to evade being hit by the defensive lineman rushing towards me.

"To remain in the football game, I will continue to perform that action and avoid taking those hits, as it is the intelligent approach."

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest sports coverage on X.