The Chiefs found themselves locked in a close game with the Jets, which is a frustrating situation to be in for any team with playoff aspirations.
The Kansas City defense was especially frustrated as they had allowed the Jets offense, led by Josh McCown, to rack up 36 points on them and regain the lead with just over two minutes to play in the game. With the score 36-31, the math said it was time to go for the two-point conversion to make it a full touchdown game.
On the first two-point conversion attempt, McCown extended the play before throwing incomplete, but a flag was thrown. Chiefs star cornerback Marcus Peters was flagged for holding in the secondary as McCown extended the play, and the fiery defensive back was not pleased with the call. In a fit of anger, Peters walked over to where the flag was laying on the ground and chucked it into the stands.
Marcus Peters was just flagged for throwing a flag into the stands. Incredible pic.twitter.com/gue5ove5g8
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) December 3, 2017
The best part was the guy in the crowd that caught the flag taking selfies with everyone around him, because he had an extremely rare souvenir.
Every week players toss footballs into the crowd, and you might even come away with a jersey or cleats if you’re by the tunnel, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a referee’s flag end up in the stands, either accidentally or on purpose. The Jets managed to convert on a toss play on the ensuing two-point conversion try from just outside the one.
As for Peters, he wasn’t officially ejected (he did get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct) but did just leave the field on his own volition before being told he hadn’t been tossed.
NFL says Marcus Peters was not ejected from the game officially. He left game after tossing a penalty flag into the crowd. Walked right out
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 3, 2017
Marcus Peters, minus his game socks, now running back to sidelines, being told he was not ejected from game
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 3, 2017
I love the idea of a player ejecting himself, knowing he probably crossed a line. The Jets managed to hold in the red zone on the Chiefs’ final drive and hold on for the 38-31 win, so Peters wasn’t needed again anyways.