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NFL Announces Discipline for Chargers DT Teair Tart After Slap on Chiefs Star

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.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his 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 personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins 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 tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by 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.”