Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White has a reputation for steady play and demeanor, but lost his cool after a controversial call at the end of his team’s playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.
Now, White will likely face further NFL punishment for the incident.
White was flagged for pass interference in overtime, setting up a short field goal for the Broncos as they won 33-30. White appeared livid with the call, arguing with a referee before taking off his helmet and throwing it to the turf.
White was then flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, which put the Broncos even closer. It will likely lead to a fine for White.
Bills Lose Their Cool After Controversial Loss
The NFL will likely announce a fine for White next week, with players regularly fined. White could face a potentially significant punishment depending on how the league reviews the play. If it is determined that he committed a “verbal or non-physical offense against official,” he would face a fine of $32,547 — significantly higher than many other fines.
White returned to the Bills this season after being released in the 2024 offseason as part of a cost-cutting spree for the team. He started slow but moved into a starting role down the final stretch, making three pass breakups in the wild-card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
White was not the only member of the Bills left furious with the outcome on Saturday. Edge rusher Joey Bosa — who was flagged for roughing the passer during Denver’s final, game-winning drive — threw his helmet against the wall in anger while leaving the tunnel after the game.
Quarterback Josh Allen was also emotional, wiping away tears as he took to the podium after the game.
Bills Mired in More Controversy
The game had other controversial moments, including an interception on Buffalo’s final possession that many believed should have been ruled a catch for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian ripped the ball away from Cooks as the two hit the ground, and replay appeared to show that Cooks had initial possession — which would have put the Bills in range for a short field goal to win the game.
But officials ruled that McMillian made an interception, a play that drew controversy — and a rebuke from Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
“It’s hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled,” McDermott told reporters after the game. “If it is ruled that way, then why wasn’t it slowed down just to make sure that we have this right. That would have made a lot of sense to me. … Because that’s a pivotal play in the game. [We’d] have the ball at the 20 and may be kicking a game-winning field goal right there.
“So I’ll just leave it at that.”
There were more sad moments after the game, with the Broncos announcing that quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle on the second-to-last offensive play of the game. Nix is ruled out for the season, sending the Broncos to the AFC title game with veteran Jarrett Stidham at the helm.
Bills CB Tre’Davious White Facing NFL Punishment After Controversial Call