Posted on Sep 12

Teair Tart on slapping Kelce: "I'm too swift with it even in Brazil."

Posted Sep 12, 2025

Teair Tart of the Los Angeles Chargers has been fined $12,172 for slapping Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during a Week 1 game in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Why it matters: This incident underscores the ongoing physicality and intensity of NFL games, as well as the league's strict enforcement of rules regarding player conduct on the field.

Tart received a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for the slap, illustrating how even minor infractions can draw significant scrutiny.
The fine reflects the NFL's commitment to maintaining player safety and sportsmanship, particularly in high-stakes matchups like those between division rivals.

What’s new: Tart's actions occurred during the third quarter of a tightly contested game, which the Chargers ultimately won 27-21.

Despite the slap, the open-hand contact did not warrant an ejection according to NFL rules, though Andy Reid expressed confusion over the enforcement of such rules.
Tart's Instagram post following the game hinted at his confidence and quick reflexes, stating, “I'm too swift with it even in Brazil.”

Yes, but: While the fine may seem steep, it is part of a broader trend in the NFL where fines are levied not just for egregious acts but also for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Tart signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Chargers, making this fine a relatively minor setback in comparison to his overall earnings.
Additionally, he receives a $58,000 bonus for each regular-season game he is active, cushioning the financial impact of the fine.

What to watch: The Chargers will face the Chiefs again in Week 15, providing a potential rematch that could see heightened emotions and possibly similar confrontations.

Both teams are vying for playoff positions, and the rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to their future encounters.
Players will likely be more cautious after witnessing the repercussions of Tart's actions, but the competitive spirit of the NFL often leads to unexpected moments.

The bottom line: Teair Tart's fine serves as a reminder of the balance the NFL seeks between fierce competition and player conduct, and it sets the stage for a potentially heated rematch later in the season.

As both teams prepare for upcoming games, how they navigate the physicality of their rivalry will be crucial in determining their success moving forward.

Teair Tart on slapping Kelce: "I'm too swift with it even in Brazil."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 12, 2025

Teair Tart of the Los Angeles Chargers has been fined $12,172 for slapping Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during a Week 1 game in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Why it matters: This incident underscores the ongoing physicality and intensity of NFL games, as well as the league's strict enforcement of rules regarding player conduct on the field.

Tart received a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for the slap, illustrating how even minor infractions can draw significant scrutiny.

The fine reflects the NFL's commitment to maintaining player safety and sportsmanship, particularly in high-stakes matchups like those between division rivals.

What’s new: Tart's actions occurred during the third quarter of a tightly contested game, which the Chargers ultimately won 27-21.

Despite the slap, the open-hand contact did not warrant an ejection according to NFL rules, though Andy Reid expressed confusion over the enforcement of such rules.

Tart's Instagram post following the game hinted at his confidence and quick reflexes, stating, “I'm too swift with it even in Brazil.”

Yes, but: While the fine may seem steep, it is part of a broader trend in the NFL where fines are levied not just for egregious acts but also for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Tart signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Chargers, making this fine a relatively minor setback in comparison to his overall earnings.

Additionally, he receives a $58,000 bonus for each regular-season game he is active, cushioning the financial impact of the fine.

What to watch: The Chargers will face the Chiefs again in Week 15, providing a potential rematch that could see heightened emotions and possibly similar confrontations.

Both teams are vying for playoff positions, and the rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to their future encounters.

Players will likely be more cautious after witnessing the repercussions of Tart's actions, but the competitive spirit of the NFL often leads to unexpected moments.

As both teams prepare for upcoming games, how they navigate the physicality of their rivalry will be crucial in determining their success moving forward.