Chargers' Teair Tart fined $12,172 for slapping Chiefs' Travis Kelce in Brazil

Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart was fined $12,172 by the NFL for slapping Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during their season opener in São Paulo, Brazil, a move that drew a 15-yard penalty but no ejection. The incident, which occurred when Kelce shoved Tart and Tart retaliated with an open-handed slap to Kelce's helmet, sparked controversy due to the NFL's rule that only a closed fist warrants ejection. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed confusion and frustration over the decision, questioning the logic behind the rule and the lack of harsher punishment despite the clear force of the contact. Tart, who signed a one-year $1.5 million contract with the Chargers and has been a key contributor, further provoked reactions by mocking Kelce and Taylor Swift on social media after the game. The altercation highlights the intense rivalry between the Chargers and Chiefs, with a rematch scheduled later in the season. Analysts and officials have noted that the open-handed nature of Tart's slap kept the penalty limited to a fine and yardage rather than ejection, underscoring nuances in NFL disciplinary rules.