BREAKING: NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Carl Cheffers After Chaotic Finish in Lions–Bengals Game
October 7, 2025 – Detroit, MI
The NFL has officially suspended referee Carl Cheffers and his entire officiating crew following widespread criticism over their handling of the Detroit Lions’ 37–24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals
According to league data from Football Zebras, the suspended crew included:
Referee: Carl Cheffers (#51)
Umpire: Derek Anderson (#81)
Down Judge: Daniel Gallagher (#43)
Line Judge: Quentin Givens (#71)
Field Judge: Nathan Jones (#97)
Side Judge: Eugene Hall (#99)
Back Judge: Martin Hankins (#19)
Replay Official: Chris Conley
The suspension follows mounting scrutiny after several high-profile officiating blunders that overshadowed Detroit’s otherwise dominant performance. The most debated moment came late in the third quarter when the Bengals attempted a bizarre
Moments later, another controversial sequence unfolded when defensive end Aidan Hutchinson appeared to be held around the neck while chasing quarterback
Social media erupted instantly, with the phrase “Cheffers Crew Again” trending No. 1 on X (formerly Twitter). One viral post captured the public mood: “Every time Carl Cheffers works a Lions game, chaos follows. You can’t make this stuff up.”
NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson later confirmed that the league identified “multiple procedural errors and inconsistent enforcement of safety kick and holding rules that failed to meet professional standards.”
For Detroit fans, the decision brings a bittersweet sense of validation. While the Lions still improved to
The NFL has yet to assign a replacement crew for Week 6, but the message from league headquarters is clear: the era of unchecked officiating inconsistency may finally be coming to an end.
49ers Fear Losing Star LT for Week 2 Showdown With Saints Amid Knee Injury Concerns
San Francisco, CA – September 12, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers could be forced to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 without their anchor on the offensive line. Veteran left tackle Trent Williams is battling a knee injury that has sidelined him in practice.
Williams left portions of last week’s opener against Seattle after showing visible discomfort, and while he managed to return, the 49ers have since limited his workload. Two consecutive missed practices now cast doubt over his availability on Sunday.
For the 49ers, Williams is more than a Pro Bowl left tackle — he’s the heartbeat of their offensive front. Since arriving in 2020, San Francisco’s record without him in the lineup has been noticeably weaker, a testament to his impact.
"I’ve been around long enough to know my body," Williams said earlier this week. "You never want to hurt the team by pushing too hard. The goal isn’t just Week 2, it’s making sure we’re ready for the long run."
San Francisco’s depth is already being tested. Quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle remain sidelined, while lineman Ben Bartch and receiver Jauan Jennings are also battling injuries. Losing Williams would only heighten the pressure.
Still, some within the organization believe caution could be the wiser approach. Allowing Williams to fully recover rather than risking further damage now could pay dividends when the season enters its toughest stretches.
The Saints present a formidable challenge with their defensive front, and protecting whoever lines up under center becomes far more complicated without Williams holding down the left side. For the 49ers, it’s a gamble either way.
As kickoff in New Orleans approaches, the decision looms large. Whether Williams suits up or not, the 49ers must adapt quickly — and fans know their hopes of contending rest heavily on the presence of their irreplaceable blindside protector.
