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5d ago

NFL Fines Chargers’ Teair Tart $12,172 for Slapping Travis Kelce

Officials ruled the open‑hand contact non‑disqualifying under guidelines that reserve ejection for closed‑fist punches.

Los Angeles players prepare for a play against the Kansas City players during the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers at the Neo Quimica Arena Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2025.
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May 12, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart at press conference during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images/File photo
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Overview

  • During the third quarter of the Week 1 game in São Paulo, Travis Kelce shoved Teair Tart, who responded with an open‑hand slap to Kelce’s helmet that drew a 15‑yard unnecessary roughness penalty.
  • The $12,172 discipline matches the NFL/NFLPA fine schedule for a first striking offense, which the league customarily confirms in its Saturday fines release, and players may appeal to jointly appointed officers.
  • Rules analyst Terry McAulay cited officiating guidance explaining why an open‑hand strike did not trigger an automatic ejection, a point Chiefs coach Andy Reid questioned publicly after the game.
  • Tart referenced the incident on Instagram with a caption reading, “I’m too swift with it even in Brazil,” which drew widespread online reaction tied to Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift.
  • The Chargers beat the Chiefs 27–21; Tart logged a tackle and two pass deflections, and the AFC West rivals are scheduled to meet again in Week 15.