Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

NFL Disciplines Chargers Player Who Slapped Travis Kelce

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce didn't just suffer a Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, he was legitimately slapped in the head.

During the third quarter of the Chiefs-Chargers game, Kelce shoved defensive tackle Teair Tart after a play was over. Tart responded by slapping Kelce's helmet, which then drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty from the refs. Since it was an open-hand strike, he was allowed to stay in the game. Andy Reid didn't agree with that decision.

"I don't understand that rule," Reid told reporters. "I guess it's open-hand, fist, whatever, I don't know. I don't know what their decision was on that. But he definitely got hit in the head pretty hard, whether it was an open fist or a closed fist."

The NFL announced Friday that it won't suspend Tart for slapping Kelce. He will, however, have to pay a $12,172 fine.

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Tart isn't backing down from his feud with Kelce.

After the Chargers defeated the Chiefs last Friday night, Tart threw shade at Kelce on Instagram. He posted a few photos along with this caption: "I'm too swift with it even in Brazil." There's no question that's a nod to Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift.

The Chargers and Chiefs will meet again in Week 15. There might be fireworks during that rematch.

For now, the Chargers will get ready for a Monday night showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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