Tyrann Mathieu apologizes for ‘mistake’ saying Chiefs fans were ‘toxic’

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said on social media on Friday that Chiefs fans “might be one of the most toxic fan bases in all of sports.” During Saturday’s press conference, Mathieu said it was a “mistake” to use those words.

"Obviously that was a mistake on my part. I haven’t had the season I have wanted to have. I think as a team, we could say the same. Frustration tends to build up.I shouldn’t have used those choices of words. I think I’m man enough to admit that and really own that. I’m just looking forward to playing better, doing better, and most importantly not being a distraction to my team."

From blogs to the mainstream media, Mathieu’s comments made headlines everywhere online. Some Chiefs fans understood and defended his comments while others were upset on social media.

The Chiefs certainly have been performing below expectations. After being the most dominant team the past three seasons and coming off consecutive Super Bowl appearances, having won one of them, teams aren’t having any issues getting turnovers and points against the Chiefs.

According to a tweet from Stat Muse, the Chiefs are either last or second-to-last in several categories. Defensively, the Chiefs have allowed the most points, yards, and first downs. The defensive performance is certainly not ideal for any team. Especially when the standard is going to another Super Bowl.

Mathieu, who is in the final year of his contract, has struggled himself quite a bit this season. Although he had two interceptions, one of them being pick-six, against the Baltimore Ravens in one quarter, Mathieu has not done much else to help the team on defense this season.

Mathieu was asked if any of the recent activity has made him reconsider staying in Kansas City. He was quick to say “no” to the question and said he is “all in” on wanting to stay in Kansas City, his teammates, and the community.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media after Mathieu on Saturday and said the players are “emotional guys” who “take pride in each other and protect each other.” Reid said the coaching staff does talk to the players about social media usage. Reid admitted the team needs to do a better job of talking to them about it after Mathieu’s recent comments went viral.

"I do tell them that is a dangerous area, though. We make that very clear. You’re really just talking to one guy, and now you’re talking to the whole world. We’ve got to do a better job with that in this case. That’s how we address them. Prior to training camp, we try to educate them on that. That’s a tough deal, though. In this day and age, I’m not real big on the whole thing (social media)."

Whether you’re a fan or part of the team, no one is content with the 3-4 record through seven weeks. Everyone thought the Chiefs would be much better. They have been the most feared team the last three years and currently find themselves tied for last place in the AFC West.

The Chiefs play the New York Giants on Monday night. Despite the Giants’ 2-5, a win on primetime will help drop the temperature a bit. Especially given a lot of the off-the-field commentary about the Chiefs lately.