Week 1’s heated AFC clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers turned controversial when defensive lineman Teair Tart (No. 90) slapped Travis Kelce across the helmet during a second-quarter play. The incident drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty but, to the surprise of many, did not lead to Tart’s ejection.
The following day, the NFL issued a one-game suspension and a $15,000 fine against Tart, citing unnecessary and unsportsmanlike behavior. The punishment was intended as a strong deterrent — but Tart isn’t backing down. He has formally appealed the decision, labeling the league’s handling of the situation as inconsistent and “unfair.”
They caught the Tart slap on Travis Kelce on hot mic #Chargers #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/oW4rpBzvmM
— Jason Dill (@TRICHERATOPS_) September 6, 2025
In his appeal, Tart argued that both his actions and Kelce’s response should have been reviewed in equal measure, claiming the punishment singles him out without considering the full context of the confrontation.
Kelce, meanwhile, let his play do the talking. The All-Pro tight end later broke free for a 37-yard touchdown, a highlight that nearly swung momentum back to Kansas City before the Chargers pulled away late in a 27-21 victory.
For the Chargers, the pending appeal is critical. Tart remains a core part of their defensive rotation, and missing him in Week 2 would stretch an already thin unit up front. A ruling from the NFL’s appeals office is expected in the coming days.
The controversy has reignited the ongoing conversation around officiating, discipline, and accountability in rivalry games. Chiefs fans argue Tart should have been ejected on the spot, while Chargers supporters contend the league is overstepping with a suspension.
Either way, the spotlight remains firmly on Tart’s next move — and whether the NFL will reduce or uphold its discipline.
