“It’s incomprehensible that most of our losses stem from wrong refereeing decisions.” π‘ Coach Ben Johnson finally lost his temper, frankly pointing out a series of controversial situations the Chicago Bears suffered in every game due to refereeing errors. However, what truly shocked fans came immediately afterward, when reactions from NFL leaders erupted, creating a fierce debate across online forums.
In a fiery post-game press conference following the Chicago Bears’ narrow 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions on January 4, 2026, Head Coach Ben Johnson unleashed a torrent of frustration.
For the first time in his debut season, Johnson publicly attributed a significant portion of the team’s setbacks to what he called “egregious officiating errors.” His words echoed the sentiments of Bears fans who have endured a season marred by questionable calls.
Johnson, who transformed the Bears from last-place finishers in 2024 to NFC North champions with an 8-3 record before the final games, highlighted specific instances.
He pointed to the Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, where multiple holding penalties on the Packers’ offensive line went unflagged, allowing crucial drives that sealed Chicago’s defeat. “These aren’t minor oversights; they’re game-changers,” Johnson stated emphatically.
The coach didn’t stop there. He referenced the December 2025 game against the San Francisco 49ers, where four referees were later suspended by the NFL for overlooking violations like illegal formations and pass interference by the 49ers.
This led to a Bears loss that Johnson described as “unfairly stolen.” The NFL’s investigation confirmed the missed calls significantly impacted the outcome, validating Johnson’s grievances.
Similar controversies arose in the Bears’ clash with the Washington Commanders earlier in October 2025. A phantom facemask penalty extended a Commanders’ drive, resulting in a touchdown. Johnson recalled waving off officials in frustration, a moment caught on camera that went viral.
Fans speculated he was directing expletives at the referees, though Johnson later clarified it was aimed at his own sideline.
Johnson’s outburst also revisited the Black Friday game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where pass interference calls were inconsistently applied. One negated a potential Bears score, while another favored Philadelphia despite minimal contact.
“How can we prepare for excellence when the rules aren’t enforced evenly?” Johnson questioned, his voice rising in the press room.
The Bears’ head coach, hired on January 21, 2025, after a successful stint as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, has generally maintained composure. His evolution with quarterback Caleb Williams turned the team around, but these officiating woes tested his patience.
Johnson emphasized that while the team must execute better, external factors like refereeing cannot be ignored.
What escalated the drama was the immediate backlash from NFL executives. Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement defending the integrity of officiating crews, calling Johnson’s comments “unproductive and detrimental to the league’s image.” Goodell highlighted ongoing training and review processes to minimize errors, but acknowledged the human element in refereeing.
NFL Vice President of Officiating, Dean Blandino, went further in a televised interview. He accused Johnson of deflecting blame from his team’s shortcomings, particularly after the Lions loss where the Bears’ offense struggled.
“Coaches need to focus on coaching, not officiating,” Blandino said, sparking outrage among Bears supporters who felt the league was gaslighting them.
The reaction rippled across social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #BearsRobbed and #NFLRigged trended for hours. Fans shared clips of disputed calls, with one post from a verified account garnering over a million views, demanding an independent audit of referee performances in Bears games.
Forums like Reddit’s r/CHIBears exploded with threads dissecting every controversial decision. Users compiled timelines of penalties, showing Bears opponents benefiting from non-calls at a disproportionate rate.
One popular post titled “Referee Alex Moore’s Crew: Bears’ Nemesis?” referenced Moore’s team leading the league in flags through Week 5, yet missing key infractions against Chicago.
Analysts weighed in on ESPN and Fox Sports. Former referee Terry McAulay supported some of Johnson’s claims, admitting the 49ers game suspensions were a rare admission of systemic failure. However, Skip Bayless on his show lambasted Johnson, calling him “fragile” and urging him to own the losses.
Johnson’s comments came at a pivotal time as the Bears gear up for the playoffs. Seeded No. 2 in the NFC, they host the Green Bay Packers in a wild-card game on January 10, 2026.
The rivalry intensifies with past officiating disputes, including a December 2025 game where referees were suspended for overlooking Packers violations.
Interestingly, a counter-narrative emerged from Packers fans. Some forums claimed referees favored the Bears in their matchups, citing a report of suspensions for missing Bears fouls in a Green Bay-Chicago game. This duality fueled even more debate, with accusations of bias flying both ways.
Johnson addressed the playoffs in a virtual press conference on January 5, 2026, shifting focus to preparation. “We’ve turned the page,” he said, praising his team’s resilience. Yet, he subtly reiterated the need for fair officiating, urging the NFL to ensure transparency in the postseason.
The Bears’ turnaround under Johnson has been remarkable. From an 0-2 start, including a humbling loss to his former Lions team, to clinching the division, the narrative was one of triumph. But these referee controversies threaten to overshadow the achievements, raising questions about the league’s accountability.
Fans remain divided. Some applaud Johnson for speaking truth to power, while others worry it distracts from internal improvements. On Instagram, a post about Johnson’s “obsession” with rivals like the Packers drew mixed reactions, with Bears loyalists defending his passion.
The NFL’s response has been mixed. While suspending officials in high-profile cases shows action, critics argue it’s reactive rather than preventive. Proposals for expanded replay reviews on penalties have gained traction amid the uproar.
As the playoffs loom, Johnson’s words linger. Will the Bears overcome perceived injustices, or will more controversies arise? The debate rages on, uniting fans in frustration and dividing opinions on solutions.
In the end, Johnson’s candor might catalyze change. By highlighting systemic issues, he forces the NFL to confront officiating flaws. For Bears fans, it’s a call to arms; for the league, a wake-up call to restore trust.
The story underscores a broader NFL problem: officiating inconsistencies eroding fan confidence. With billions at stake, addressing this is paramount. Johnson’s stand, though controversial, spotlights the need for reform.
As Chicago prepares for postseason glory, the shadow of referee decisions looms large. Johnson’s frustration resonates because it’s shared by many. Whether it leads to victories on the field remains to be seen.
