NEW YORK — The NFL has issued a disciplinary ruling for Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart following the open-handed slap he delivered to Travis Kelce during the season opener in Brazil. The sanction includes a fine under the league’s unsportsmanlike conduct/striking policy, with a formal warning that future incidents could trigger a suspension. League officials said video from multiple angles and on-field reports were reviewed before reaching the decision.

According to the league’s review, the confrontation began after Kelce finished a forceful block on a touchdown drive. As the players disengaged, Tart turned and struck Kelce’s helmet with an open palm. The moment spread quickly on social media and sparked a wave of reactions from fans across the NFL and beyond.

In a statement accompanying the ruling, the league emphasized standards of conduct for all participants while acknowledging the full context of the play: “Teair Tart will face discipline for his actions, but we will also evaluate the conduct of all parties involved — without any initial provocation or continuation of the confrontation, the situation may not have escalated. Still, striking an opponent, even with an open hand, is our primary concern. Contact to the helmet is dangerous, unsportsmanlike, and will be handled accordingly.”

The NFL reiterated that an open-hand slap does not automatically mandate ejection in game, whereas a closed-fist punch typically does. However, either action can draw supplemental fines after video review. In this case, the absence of injury, in-game control by officials, and Tart’s postgame cooperation were cited as mitigating factors; his social-media activity will be noted in the case file but did not alter the penalty.

Despite the flashpoint, the Chargers held on for a 27–21 victory, and Tart later recorded a key defensive stop that helped preserve the lead. Kelce appeared uninjured and did not retaliate, instead appealing to the officials on the field — a response the league framed as consistent with its expectations for de-escalation.

Tart retains the right to appeal the fine through the NFLPA. The league said it will circulate a reminder to both clubs — and to all teams league-wide — regarding standards of conduct after the whistle and best practices for avoiding further escalation on social platforms.