NFL fans had questions after Stephon Gilmore fist-bumped a ref before Patriots-Texans

NFL fans have never shied away from conspiracies when it comes to the Patriots and officials.

It’s nothing new. From an official telling Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan to “stay off Tom” to Tom Brady immediately greeting referee Clete Blakeman after winning the AFC championship in 2018 — fans love to point out the optics of referees scheming to help New England.

With that in mind, the Houston Texans did everyone a favor on Sunday in their 28-22 win over the Patriots. Because had the Patriots won that game, you just know that Stephon Gilmore’s pregame fist bump with an official would have been the latest NFL-Patriots conspiracy theory.

Patriots dapping up the ref? hmmm.. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vxHgNwMu8z

— Austin Huff (@AustinHuff) December 2, 2019

The NBC broadcast captured the moment as the Patriots were leaving the locker room at NRG Stadium. Side judge Boris Cheek was standing near the doorway as the New England players walked by him. Then, Gilmore reached out his fist to dap the official, and Cheek returned the gesture.

Sure, Cheek was probably just showing respect and thought little of the fist bump in the moment, but NFL fans certainly took notice.

Stephon Gilmore fist bumping with a ref before game time. This will go over very well with Twitter Pats haters. pic.twitter.com/MTS5zqCz2P

— Brandon DuBreuil (@CoversBD) December 2, 2019

So we just gonna ignore Gilmore and the ref dapping each other on the way to the field? pic.twitter.com/wYiav0beOg

— Gibby (@MadeInShively) December 2, 2019

Did anybody else catch Gilmore fist bump the ref in the tunnel? Smh 🤔 #SNF

— Dick Hammerbush 🔨 (@KingKrullHTX) December 2, 2019

Let the conspiracy theories begin because Gilmore just fist-bumped a ref walking out of the locker room 🙄

— Brandon Bump (@NotoriousBUMP) December 2, 2019

I know I’m the not the only one who saw Gilmore dap up the ref coming out the lockeroom 👀 guess we know how this one is gonna go lol

— Eric Dungy (@edee9teen) December 2, 2019

They just showed Stephon Gilmore fist bumping a ref in the tunnel as the Pats walk to the field 🤔

— Austin Tanner Smith (@austansmith) December 2, 2019

Gilmore just first bumped a ref coming out of the locker room, cue the “Patriots cheating allegations”

— Evan (@Feldman94) December 2, 2019

#NEvsHOU refs already helping the patriots out of the locker room lol pic.twitter.com/nAU2IBVqUJ

— Cbarber27 (@cbarber27) December 2, 2019

It was inevitable. Perhaps Cheek should politely decline the fist bump next time — just a thought.

Thankfully, the Texans’ win put an end to the potential issue. Both the Patriots and Texans were called for eight penalties in the game, and Patriots were actually on the wrong end of a couple questionable no-calls.