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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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Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”