LeBron James, NBA Stars React to Controversial Super Bowl LVII Holding Penalty Call

LeBron James, NBA Stars React to Controversial Super Bowl LVII Holding Penalty Call

Joel Reyes
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:25 PM
  • NBA players offered views on the controversial ending of Super Bowl LVII between Kansas City and Philadelphia
  • LeBron James and other basketball stars blasted the referees for their late holding penalty call against the Eagles
  • However, many players also praised quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his stellar role in the Chiefs' successes

The ending of Super Bowl LVII was controversial to say the least, with the Kansas City Chiefs benefiting from a late holding penalty call against the Philadelphia Eagles.

James Bradberry drew the flag after he held JuJu Smith-Schuster during his route with 1:54 remaining in the game.

That gave the Chiefs an automatic first down, effectively sealing the win for Kansas City, with Harrison Butker kicking the game-winning field goal with eight seconds left.

LeBron James, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVII, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce
LeBron James during warmups and the Kansas City Chiefs lifting the Super Bowl. Images: Harry How/ Ezra Shaw.
Source: Getty Images

It wasn’t just NFL players and fans who reacted furiously to the referee’s call but also NBA stars, who watched the game live inside the venue and on their television screens, per NBC Sports.

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LeBron takes aim at referees

Among those who shared their opinions about the matter was LeBron James, who flew to Arizona to watch the big game live in person.

The LA Lakers star took to social media to share his disagreement with the call, writing that he did not like it.

He added that the game was too good for that call to dictate the outcome at the end.

Chicago Bulls center, Nicola Vucevic agreed with James’ sentiments, posting three trash emojis when describing the late flag.

Sacramento Kings forward, Kevin Huerter said it was a soft call to decide a Super Bowl.

Houston Rockets guard, Tyty Washington also can’t believe the call, reminding officials what was on the line.

NBA stars praise Mahomes

The finish may have left a sour taste in the players’ mouths, but they still recognised the brilliance of quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs' star overcame a high ankle sprain as well as a double-digit deficit in the second half to win his second Super Bowl title.

Atlanta Hawks star, Trae Young wrote 'Anotha one for Mahomes' while Tre Jones posted 'MVPat on his way' with a goat emoji.

Reggie Bullock tweeted 'Mahomeville' while Washington Wizards forward, Kyle Kuzma posted 'The great Patty Mahomes'.

LeBron also congratulated the Chiefs, Kansas City tight end, Travis Kelce in particular.

Kevin Durant, who just joined the Phoenix Suns in a trade, also offered his congratulations to Kansas City.

Mahomes delivers for the Chiefs

Sports Brief also reported on Mahomes winning the Super Bowl MVP, completing 21 of 27 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns to lead Kansas City to a 38-35 win.

The Chiefs quarterback has now won two Super Bowl MVP awards, with the first one coming in 2020 when he faced the San Francisco 49ers.

Mahomes is now the first NFL player this century to win the NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards in the same season.

Authors
Joel Reyes photo
Joel Reyes
Joel Reyes is a sports editor at Sportsbrief.com with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines. He has eight years of work experience in sports writing.
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