Logo

NFL Announces Harsh Discipline for Chiefs–Chargers Officiating Crew After Controversial Calls

September 8, 2025 

The international matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo is over, but controversy over the officiating continues to surge. Teair Tart’s open-hand slap to Travis Kelce’s helmet drew an unnecessary roughness flag without an ejection, triggering criticism about post-whistle control and the standard for head/helmet contact.

Condensedstatement from Commissioner Roger Goodell:

“After reviewing all available angles from the Chiefs–Chargers game in São Paulo, we identified multiple breakdowns in on-field control and post-whistle management. Striking an opponent’s helmet—even with an open hand—is dangerous and unacceptable.”

According to a confidential source, the NFL has launched an accelerated review of the São Paulo officiating crew. The working  under consideration is a temporary suspension of the crew for approximately three games, paired with mandatory retraining on post-play management, ejection thresholds for “striking,” and on-field communication to de-escalate conflicts.

In addition, the league’s disciplinary office will issue a point-of-emphasis memo to all clubs: any contact to the helmet—including open-hand slaps—will be graded more severely; taunting/provocation that contributes to escalation will face enhanced penalties. Fines and supplemental discipline for involved individuals would be announced separately after the review process is completed.

From a league-integrity standpoint, potential discipline for the crew would underscore a commitment to consistent officiating standards across international and domestic games, player safety, and competitive integrity, while avoiding “gray areas” in high-tension contests. The NFL is also expected to remind players to avoid stoking controversies on social media following games.

189 views
Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side