Joe Mixon: NFL rescinds $25k fine for Texans RB after finding he did not criticize officials and for misattributed quote

CNN — The NFL has rescinded a $25,000 fine it issued to Texans running back Joe Mixon after finding that he had not criticized officials following Houston’s playoff defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in January. It’s all good, though.” Shortly after the loss to the Chiefs, Mixon was handed a $25,000 fine, with the NFL refencing a comment made by former Cincinnati Bengals receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh who wrote: “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. Just respect the players.” But after Mixon appealed the fine and stated his case in a January 30 hearing, the NFL reversed its decision and adjudged that Mixon “did not necessarily publicly criticize the officials,” according to a letter sent from appeals officer Chris Palmer to Mixon which was obtained by ESPN. “As you know, statements can be interpreted differently by every individual and it seems like you clearly understand the weight and detriment of public criticism towards officials can be, given how impactful your platform is as a player, which I appreciate.” Palmer added that the “integrity of the game and its officials is the responsibility of everyone involved in the NFL.” Although the Texans’ 2024 season ultimately ended in playoff disappointment, it was a largely successful debut season for Mixon in the Lone Star State, as he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 309 yards in 14 games.