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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.

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.”