Why Chargers DT Teair Tart wasn't ejected for slapping Travis Kelce

Daniel Mader

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Why Chargers DT Teair Tart wasn't ejected for slapping Travis Kelce image

Friday's Week 1 matchup in Brazil very well could be Travis Kelce's last season-opener.

The star tight end didn't get off to a very good start, with the Kansas City Chiefs offense quiet in the first half. A few field goals kept the Chiefs in it though, and while Kelce later broke through with a touchdown reception, that came after he got in a heated interaction with a Los Angeles Chargers defender.

Defensive tackle Teair Tart very clearly took a swing at Kelce's helmet area after some usual pushing and shoving. However, the officials opted not to eject Tart, saying it was not a "disqualifying action."

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Here's a look at the interaction between Tart and Kelce, and why the Chargers defender was not ejected from the Brazil matchup.

MORE: Could a reunion with Tyreek Hill be an answer to the Chiefs' WR struggles?

Travis Kelce slapped by Teair Tart

It was a fairly frustrating performance for the Chiefs through three-and-a-half quarters, owning just six points and trailing the Chargers in Week 1. Initially, Kelce had played a role in those struggles with just one catch to that point.

During the third quarter, Kelce and Tart were lined up against one another as the tight end was blocking. While Kelce did extend his arms to shove the defensive tackle away, Tart responded by fully swinging at Kelce's helmet.

Kelce didn't retaliate, turning toward the officials to see what they would do about it.

MORE: The latest on Xavier Worthy's injury in Week 1 matchup

Why wasn't Teair Tart ejected?

Often, when NFL players take a swing at another player, it results in an immediate ejection. However, the officials decided not to eject Tart for his slap toward Kelce on Friday.

The YouTube broadcast helped explain that decision, with Terry McAulay saying that because it was an "open hand contact to the head" from Tart, it was not enough to disqualify him. Because it was not a closed fist punch or something more aggressive, the officials let Tart remain in the game, albeit with a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.

Travis Kelce stats today

  • Receptions: 2
  • Yards: 47
  • Touchdowns: 1
  • YPC: 23.5

Kelce had just one catch at halftime for 10 yards. However, the veteran tight end turned it up a bit in the third quarter, getting the Chiefs right back in the game with a 37-yard touchdown catch.

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.