Packers safety Xavier McKinney says the NFL fined him at least $25,000 after he publicly criticized the officiating in Green Bay’s loss to Detroit. He says he accepted the penalty because he hopes speaking out could help his team in future games.

By the Numbers
  • Minimum fine for criticizing officiating: $25,000.
  • Packers’ loss to the Lions: 27-19.
Yes, But

Coach Matt LaFleur pointed to “some tough calls” but didn’t blame the loss on officiating. The league’s reassignment of the game’s officials was reportedly about optics, not discipline.

State of Play
  • McKinney did not reveal the exact fine but confirmed it was at least $25,000.
  • The crew that worked Packers-Lions was moved from Eagles-Commanders to Patriots-Dolphins.
Bottom Line

McKinney is willing to pay for speaking out, while the league’s handling of the officials leaves open questions about how it responds to criticism and controversial calls.