HH. Bengals Icon Geno Atkins Exposes Series of Referee ‘Rigging Calls’ That Cost Steelers Their Game Against Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH – October 14, 2025 — The AFC North showdown between the Steelers and Bengals ended in chaos, as Hall of Fame–caliber defensive legend Geno Atkins called out the officiating after Pittsburgh’s 31-33 loss on Thursday Night Football. The Bengals may have celebrated the win, but even one of their all-time greats couldn’t stay silent.
“I’m happy the Bengals won,” Atkins said, “but the Steelers got screwed — that’s for sure. I’m speaking up because if we ignore this today, someday the same thing could happen to the Bengals in a bigger game. Today the Bengals won, but the Steelers played better and deserved a fairer result.”
The statement from Atkins sent shockwaves across social media, igniting the hashtag #RiggedTNF, which trended overnight among both Steelers and neutral fans questioning the integrity of the officiating crew led by referee
Bill Vinovich. Two controversial moments have stood out as the center of the storm.
1️⃣ Missed Review on Aaron Rodgers’ Interception (Q4)
With 2:52 left in the fourth quarter and the game tied 31–31,
Aaron Rodgers launched a deep pass toward DK Metcalf, only for Bengals corner Jordan Battle to intercept it. Replays clearly showed the ball sailing over Metcalf’s reach — possibly uncatchable — before Battle made the pick. Despite this, no review was initiated.
Under NFL Rule 15, only scoring plays and final two-minute drives are automatically reviewed, but coaches and fans argued the refs should’ve intervened due to the game-deciding nature of the play. The Bengals capitalized on the turnover, kicking a
game-winning field goal (33–31).
Fans erupted online, claiming the call “robbed” Pittsburgh of a fair finish. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin voiced his frustration postgame: “That play needed a look — it flipped the game.”
Yahoo Sports echoed the sentiment, calling it “a pivotal officiating error that changed the outcome.”
Aaron Rodgers has ~words~ for the officials after this is ruled an INT pic.twitter.com/vFav3z5qm6— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 17, 2025
2️⃣ Questionable Holding Penalty on Zach Frazier (Q3)
Earlier in the game, with the score tied 17–17, Steelers center Zach Frazier was penalized for holding Trey Hendrickson
on 3rd-and-5. The 10-yard call pushed Pittsburgh out of scoring range, forcing a punt instead of a potential touchdown drive.
Steelers fans labeled it a “ticky-tack” penalty, insisting Frazier merely shielded the rusher rather than pulling him. ESPN noted, “The questionable holding on Frazier stalled the Steelers’ momentum.” Bengals fans, naturally, saw it differently — calling it “a clear hold” that preserved their defense’s stand.
3️⃣ Additional Missed Calls and Growing Tension
Earlier in the second quarter, a scuffle between DK Metcalf and Tee Higgins after an incomplete pass went unpenalized. While minor compared to the game-altering fourth-quarter moment, it added to the sense of inconsistency throughout the night.
Atkins’ public stance has amplified the controversy — a rare move for a Bengals legend to defend a rival team. Known as the “Monster of the Defensive Line”, Atkins dominated the NFL from 2010 to 2019, earning
6 Pro Bowls, 5 All-Pro selections, and setting a franchise record with 75.5 sacks. His comments carry weight, and his concern about officiating bias now has both fanbases watching closely.
The league has yet to issue a statement on the officiating, but Steelers Nation is demanding accountability. Meanwhile, Atkins’ warning echoes loudest: “If we let this slide today, it’ll happen again — maybe to the Bengals next time.”
Stay tuned — this one won’t fade quietly in Pittsburgh or Cincinnati.
4 boys battling critical illnesses go on shopping spree with Eagles player
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It was a dream come true for four teenagers battling critical illnesses, who went on a VIP shopping spree with their favorite
Philadelphia Eagles player.
“It’s definitely one of the best days of my life,” said 18-year-old Christopher Brayerton of Little Egg Harbor, who spent the past year fighting a rare pediatric cancer.
Brayerton and three other boys were treated to an unforgettable experience thanks to Make-A-Wish, the Eagles, and Fanatics. The event took place at Mitchell & Ness in Center City, where the teens picked out sportswear with a $200 gift card and received a Kobe Bryant jersey.
“I’ve only cried about three times since I’ve been here because I’m so happy for him after what he went through the past year,” said Brayerton’s mother, Devin Fennimore. “To be able to experience this is amazing.”
4 boys battling critical illnesses go on shopping spree with Eagles player https://t.co/eIPSxVNSvF— Adam Schetfer (@fanhub_nfl) October 3, 2025
Hunter, 13, of Gallup, New Mexico, called the day a milestone in his recovery.
“It’s been an honor. It’s been like a milestone for me being back from cancer, getting to do all this stuff,” he said.
The teens also got to meet Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert.
“Amazing because I get to look at everything, and I get to meet the Eagles,” said 12-year-old Liam Martin of Taylor, Pa.
“I love it,” added his father, Chris Martin. “Just thankful. Just happy he’s having a good time.”
Goedert chatted with the boys about everything from the Tush Push to the Super Bowl and said the experience meant a lot to him.
“Anytime you get an opportunity like this, it’s easy to say yes to,” Goedert said. “Just to be able to put a smile on these kids’ faces really means everything to me.”
Michelle Ruel, Make-A-Wish’s marketing and communications director, said the boys will meet the team and visit Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, then attend the Eagles-Broncos game on Sunday.
“I’ve always dreamed of going to a game – let alone an Eagles game,” said Hunter.
“I just want them to enjoy the weekend,” said Goedert. “They’ve been through so much, and they’re so well-deserving of an awesome weekend they’re being given.”
