"Shouldn't be fined, that's nonsense": Jason Kelce speaks out as Brian Burns restrains furious Kayvon Thibodeaux after controversial tush push call

Jason Kelce has come to Kayvon Thibodeaux’s defense following the New York Giants defender’s comments about officiating in Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia. The former Eagles center said players shouldn’t face league fines for criticizing questionable calls.

Kelce weighed in after the sequence that sparked Thibodeaux’s reaction: a second-quarter tush push attempt by Jalen Hurts on fourth-and-inches with the score tied. The Giants forced a turnover, but officials ruled the play dead.

Speaking on his "New Heights" podcast, Kelce said:

"I do not like complaining about officials, I never have. That's not how I operate," Kelce said (Timestamp: 37:38 onwards).

"I don't think that you should be fined. I think that's bullsh** .... what the fc*k is this? Yeah, it's freedom of speech, baby. What the f*ck we doing right here? ... I think that's nonsense. And I am all for having the officials back, usually."

The incident happened when Hurts appeared to reach the first-down line before Kayvon Thibodeaux ripped the ball away. Referees determined his forward progress had already been stopped, nullifying what the Giants believed was a forced fumble.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, who voiced frustration after the game, called the explanation from officials “some bulls**t.”

"(The official) said they called the forward progress before he reached the ball out," Thibodeaux said. "Sounds like some bullsh*t to me," he said.

Teammate Brian Burns stepped in, reminding him of the potential fine. Thibodeaux backtracked, saying:

“That was a great call by the ref.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux reflects on Eagles tush push play

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - Source: Imagn

Kayvon Thibodeaux explained the difficulty defenses face against the Eagles' controversial play. Brian Burns added that officiating consistency has been an issue all season, saying similar plays were allowed just two weeks earlier.

"It is tricky. Two weeks ago, they allowed them to push the pile [against us]. Now, we stopped the surge, and they blow the whistle quick. Thibs had a heads-up play by getting the ball out. I really feel like that should've been a turnover. Weird call," Burns said, according to Yahoo Sports.

Both players said that poor execution played a role in the defeat. Burns told USA TODAY the defense “got our a** whooped,” while Thibodeaux said that missed tackles and lapses against the run made the difference.