Packers safety Xavier McKinney criticizes officiating after loss to Lions
McKinney said he was prepared to risk a league fine, while coach Matt LaFleur stressed that Green Bay needed to overcome difficult calls.
Green Bay safety Xavier McKinney criticized officials following the Packers’ 20-17 defeat against the Lions, saying their decisions were hurting his team. He acknowledged that speaking out could bring a monetary penalty from the league but said he was willing to accept that risk.
In comments reported by ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, McKinney said he believed his criticism was truthful and that raising the issue could help the Packers. He also said fans and players could see the problems he described.
Head coach Matt LaFleur took a more restrained approach after the game despite several heated exchanges with officials. He said Green Bay had to overcome difficult decisions. The calls included two penalties for roughing the passer and an unnecessary roughness penalty against defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, whose hit came without a clear whistle as Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown rose to keep running.
Green Bay also lost scoring opportunities on kicks. Rookie Trey Smack missed from 26 yards and had a 35-yard attempt blocked.
