By Sunday 
Baker Mayfield’s mouth may have just earned him more attention than his arm.
After a frustrating 24-9 Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback didn’t hold back when asked about the officiating. And now, the NFL is reportedly taking notice — for all the wrong reasons.
“Still Pretty Damn Confused”
Mayfield was visibly irritated postgame, and when he finally spoke to reporters, the words came out fast — and fiery.
“Third-down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, also still pretty damn confused about the double review,”
Mayfield said, referring to a bizarre sequence involving a fourth-down catch by tight end Cade Otton.
It started as a first down, was reviewed, confirmed, and then re-reviewed — before being overturned completely. Detroit took the ball and never looked back.
No surprise Baker was steaming. But in the NFL, calling out the refs, even when you might have a point, rarely ends well.
A Fine on the Way?
According to reports, the league office is reviewing Mayfield’s comments — a standard move that usually precedes a fine. And honestly, Baker seemed to know it was coming.
“A lot of frustration at the end of that, might be displaced onto [referee] John Hussey in the moment,” he admitted,
“but I work my a– off and put a lot into this game, so when things that I don’t deem fair, I’m going to let somebody know.”
That honesty might cost him tens of thousands of dollars — but it’s vintage Baker.
Pat McAfee Joins the Chat
Even Pat McAfee couldn’t resist chiming in. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The NFL looking out for Detroit.. LOVE TO SEE IT.”
It was classic McAfee — sarcastic and sharp — and it echoed what many fans were already thinking: maybe the refs really were a little too friendly toward Detroit that night.
Bowles Tries to Cool Things Down
Meanwhile, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles took the diplomatic route, brushing it off as an “interesting call” that didn’t change the outcome of the game.
Sure, that might be true — but tell that to a quarterback who just watched his offense sputter and his frustration boil over in front of millions.
What’s Next for Baker
With Tampa Bay still sitting at 5–2, it’s not exactly panic time. But with a fine likely incoming and the NFL spotlight squarely on him, Baker Mayfield’s postgame emotions may end up costing him — literally.
Still, you have to respect the fire. Love him or hate him, Baker’s never been one to bite his tongue.