The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a 20-14 home defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking their fourth loss at home this season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
This setback not only dashed their hopes of securing the AFC West but also eliminated the possibility of securing the AFC's No. 1 seed while Taylor Swift, the Grammy-winning pop sensation and girlfriend of Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce, was in attendance.
Swift, adorned in a red Santa hat featuring Kelce's jersey number, passionately supported her boyfriend during the game. However, long-time Dallas Cowboys fan and sports commentator, Skip Bayless, expressed his discontent with the focus on Swift during NFL games.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, directed at key Chiefs figures, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, coach Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce himself, Bayless raised the question of whether it was time to label Swift as a distraction.
"Feels like it's about time to call Taylor Swift a distraction. What do you think, Patrick? Andy? How about you, Travis," Bayless wrote on X.
It seems like Bayless subtly hinted that Travis Kelce's focus on his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, off the field has been excessive, diverting his attention from the dedicated process of playing as an NFL linebacker.
Returning to the Christmas Day game, the Chiefs' offence faced criticism for their struggles, particularly in the first half when they trailed 17-7.
Costly mistakes, such as a failed trick play resulting in a fumble return for a touchdown by the Raiders, contributed to the Chiefs' challenges. Cameras captured Travis Kelce tossing his helmet, and coach Andy Reid intervened to prevent Kelce from retrieving it. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, visibly frustrated, delivered a fiery speech to his offensive line and mouthed angry words to himself after late offensive play calls.
The disappointing loss to the Raiders on Christmas Day adds pressure as the Chiefs strive to rebound in their upcoming matchup. This was not the first instance of Bayless criticising an NFL star's romantic relationship for on-field performance.
