Mike Pereira, Patrick Mahomes and NFL ref (Photos via Imagn Images)

Fox rules analyst and former NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira has addressed the rapidly-growing conspiracy theory that the refs have been cheating for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Throughout the 2024 season, the Chiefs have undoubtedly benefited from several questionable officiating calls. This included controversial unnecessary roughness and roughing the passer penalties drawn by Mahomes in the AFC Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, as well as a questionable ruling that Josh Allen’s fourth-down quarterback sneak was short in the AFC Championship Game.

Few people understand the NFL rulebook better than Mike Pereira, so what does the longtime Fox analyst have to say about disgruntled fans accusing the officials of cheating for Kansas City?

Speaking on “Fox & Friends”, Mike Pereira echoed Commissioner Roger Goodell’s comments about the conspiracy theory being “ridiculous.” Pereira also defended the officials, noting how difficult their job is:

“I mean I think I would say what Roger Goodell said, which I try not to use harsh words. I understand why they think that, because the numbers point that different and the iffy calls seem to have gone the Chiefs way, but to think that there is intent is really ridiculous and that’s the term that Roger used.

The officials are out just to manage the game, and they have to make decisions in one 26th of a second, and so they don’t have time to factor in who made the foul, what color the team is. And so really, I understand the concern but it really won’t affect the way they officiate this weekend.”

Regardless of what Goodell, Pereira and other high-profile NFL figures have to say, it won’t silence the conspiracy theorists or frustrated fans.

The officials will be under the microscope on Sunday, considering the growing conspiracy theory and the fact that the Chiefs-Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl 57 game two years ago was decided by a controversial holding penalty against James Bradberry.

Mike Pereira Will Be In The Booth For Super Bowl 59

Fox’s No. 1 team of Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady and Erin Andrews will be on the call for Super Bowl 59 on Sunday. Pereira will also work his usual duties as the rules analyst, providing commentary on any close calls made (or missed) by the refs.