After Dominant Win Over Commanders, Head Referee Alex Kemp Sends Message to Chiefs Superstar Rashee Rice Following Controversial Wrong Call Impacting Chiefs
October 2025 — After the Kansas City Chiefs’ 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders in Monday Night Football, the story didn’t just end with the lopsided score—it centered on a controversial moment between the head referee and the rising star of the Chiefs, Rashee Rice.
In the third quarter, Rice was flagged for 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct after he threw the ball into the helmet of Washington defender Quan Martin. However, as subsequent slow-motion replays clearly showed, Rice was actually trying to toss the ball to the referee—a common action after a play ends. The ball accidentally hitting Martin led the referee to misinterpret the situation and immediately throw the flag.
Rice trying to explain that he was throwing it to the ref and not at a players head pic.twitter.com/NoJCsk9W56
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 28, 2025
The call left the Chiefs’ coaching staff, especially head coach Andy Reid, visibly frustrated. Rice himself appeared confused as he explained to Reid that he “was just trying to give the ball to the ref, not provoking the opponent.” Although the penalty didn’t impact the final outcome, many fans and experts criticized the officiating crew for being “too quick” in their judgment.
A day after the game, the head referee of the matchup—confirmed as Alex Kemp—sent a personal message to Rashee Rice through the NFL’s media representative. In it, Kemp admitted:
“We reviewed the play and it’s clear Rashee had no intent to throw the ball at the Washington player. My decision at the time was based on a limited angle. I respect how Rice stayed calm and continued to play professionally after the incident.”
He added:
“I want to extend my most sincere apology to Rashee Rice. As a referee, I understand that every call I make can affect emotions, the game, and even the image of a player who is giving everything for his team.”
The message was highly praised by the NFL community for demonstrating rare transparency and a willingness to learn from referees. Rice himself shared after Tuesday’s practice:
“I’m good with it. Refs are human, everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how we handle it afterward.”
Though just a minor incident, the event sparked a larger discussion about referees using video technology more flexibly in plays involving “intent.” With Rice’s calm response and the referee’s public apology, this can be seen as a memorable moment—not just in the Chiefs’ win, but in the spirit of sportsmanship in the NFL.
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