Chargers Teair Tart Gets Disciplined by NFL for Slapping Travis Kelce
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The Los Angeles Chargers took an early-season “deduction” as defensive lineman Teair Tart was fined $12,172 for an open-hand slap to the front of Travis Kelce’s helmet during the Week 1 opener at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. The amount aligns with the league’s schedule for a first-offense “striking” violation.
The incident occurred in the third quarter after a tangled blocking exchange. Kelce shoved Tart away, and Tart answered with an open-palm swat at the 10-time Pro Bowler. Officials immediately assessed a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty but did not eject Tart. After the Chargers’ 27–21 win, Tart posted a trolling message about Kelce on social media, further inflaming the debate.
Source citations: ESPN (Kris Rhim) confirms the $12,172 fine and game context; the NFL’s “Accountability: Fines & Appeals” schedule outlines the first-offense penalty for striking; roundups from Reuters, Sports Illustrated, and Bleacher Report detail the Tart–Kelce incident and the league’s postgame discipline following the São Paulo season opener. Watch here: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46237382/chargers-teair-tart-fined-slapping-travis-kelce
Tart, 28, went undrafted in 2020 and signed with the Chargers before the 2024 season. Last year he played all 17 games, recording 29 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble, and one sack. This incident does not carry a suspension, but it marks his discipline file—repeat offenses can trigger stiffer penalties under NFL policy.
Tension between these teams is nothing new. A few seasons ago, another Chargers defender went viral for a body-slam on Kelce. As AFC West rivals, the Chargers and Chiefs will meet again in Week 15 in Los Angeles, and the “Kelce vs. Bolts front” storyline will be front and center.
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