NFL Rescinds $25K Fine on Bengals' Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon, the Bengals' Pro Bowl running back, successfully appealed a $25,000 fine initially imposed by the NFL for comments deemed critical of officials following a playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The fine was originally based on a social media post by former Bengals player T.J. Houshmandzadeh, which was incorrectly attributed to Mixon. Upon review, hearing officer Chris Palmer concluded that Mixon did not publicly criticize officials, thus rescinding the fine. Mixon’s actual comments emphasized not leaving game outcomes in the referees’ hands, a sentiment echoed by many players in similar situations. This incident highlights the complexities and potential misinterpretations in the enforcement of fines for public criticism of officiating within the NFL.