The Green Bay Packers returned to the win column after outlasting the Carolina Panthers, 27-19, at Lambeau Field on Thursday. The Packers improved to 5-3, while the Panthers dropped to 3-4.
Green Bay bounced back after falling short against the Detroit Lions, 20-17, at Ford Field in Week 7. After the loss, Xavier McKinney did not hold back on the referees, blasting them for what he deemed were questionable calls, including a critical penalty in the fourth quarter.
“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. I think it's b******* a lot of the time,” said McKinney.
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the 28-year-old safety revealed before the kickoff against the Panthers that the NFL fined him for his blunt assessment of the referees.
“The minimum fine for criticizing officials is $25,000. He wouldn't say exactly how much but said it wasn't less than that. But he also said it was worth it to support his team,” reported Demovsky on X.
He also quoted McKinney: “I make enough money, so I’ll be OK.”
The two-time All-Pro signed a four–year, $67 million contract with the Packers in 2024.
McKinney contributed three total sacks and one pass defended against the Panthers.
Article Continues BelowMicah Parsons also slammed the referees after Green Bay's loss to Detroit, issuing a sarcastic quip on X.
“Let's just go to flag football if every time a QB gets touched, it's roughing the passer!” wrote Parsons, who is still sidelined by a knee injury.
The Packers will face the New England Patriots in Week 9.