he NFL has officially fired veteran referee Clete Blakeman after a shocking investigation revealed his connection to a sports betting scandal. According to FOX News, Blakeman, who officiated the controversial Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game, was found to have shared a sports betting account with a professional poker player who placed bets on football games.

The league’s internal investigation uncovered that Blakeman’s association with the gambler violated the NFL’s strict policies on integrity and impartiality. While there is no direct evidence that he influenced the outcome of games, his ties to sports betting raised serious concerns about the credibility of officiating.

The fallout has sparked outrage among fans, especially those who had questioned several calls made during the Chiefs-Bills matchup. Many believe this revelation only strengthens claims that officiating inconsistencies have played a role in shaping key moments of the season.

The NFL issued a statement reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game, stating, “Any violation of our policies regarding gambling and officiating will not be tolerated.” Meanwhile, sports analysts and former players have weighed in, calling for even stricter measures to ensure fairness in officiating.

With the playoffs nearing their climax and the Super Bowl approaching, this scandal has placed even more scrutiny on the league’s officiating crews. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how the NFL ensures transparency moving forward.