Buffalo, NY – October 8, 2025
One day after being suspended for his controversial handling of the Bills–Patriots game, referee Shawn Hochuli has publicly apologized to the Buffalo Bills organization and their fans
, calling the officiating breakdown “a human mistake, not a malicious act.”
Hochuli admitted that several late-game calls, including the questionable late-hit penalty on Drake Maye and the missed holding
during New England’s game-winning drive, “did not meet professional standards.” However, he strongly denied any form of bias or manipulation.
Bills flagged for a late hit as Drake Maye was sliding.
pic.twitter.com/mkgpHpPoiC — Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 6, 2025
“We made errors that changed the rhythm of the game — that’s on us,” Hochuli said in his statement. “But there was no intent, no favoritism, no conspiracy. Just judgment calls that we wish we had back.”
The apology comes as league sources confirm the Bills have filed an official complaint regarding officiating integrity. The NFL has placed Hochuli’s entire crew on indefinite administrative leave, marking one of the rare full-crew suspensions in recent years.
Hochuli also referenced the James Cook hit, which went unflagged despite being clearly after the whistle, admitting that “it was a miss we should’ve caught.”
James Cook takes a hard hit after he was down from the rookie Farmer
pic.twitter.com/jr0s3pcJ6I — Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 6, 2025
“We study tape, we take accountability, and we learn,” Hochuli added. “I love this game, and I’d never do anything to damage its integrity. I just hope Buffalo can reconsider their complaint so we can focus on improving instead of punishing.”
While the league has not commented on any reinstatement timeline, Hochuli’s statement has drawn mixed reactions — some praising his honesty, others calling it “too late” after what fans dubbed
“the most frustrating officiating night of the season.”
For Bills fans, the apology may bring acknowledgment, but the loss — and the controversy — will linger far longer than the flags that never flew.
