Football fans were left scratching their heads after a bizarre moment in the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener. During the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce found himself on the receiving end of a slap from Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart – and remarkably, no punishment followed. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has now spoken out, voicing his frustration over the situation.
The Incident That Sparked Confusion
The altercation happened on a key drive for Kansas City, which would eventually end with a Patrick Mahomes touchdown.
Kelce, while blocking for his quarterback, collided with Tart, who didn’t take kindly to the intensity.
After a brief confrontation, Tart delivered an open-hand slap across Kelce’s helmet.
The slap, however, didn’t result in an ejection. According to NFL rules, had Tart used a closed fist, he would have been removed from the game.
Fans and analysts alike were left puzzled by the distinction, and Reid didn’t hold back his thoughts on the rule.
Andy Reid Voices Frustration
Speaking to NFL.com, Reid said: “I don’t understand that rule. 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.”
When asked whether he would seek clarification from the league, Reid added: “I’ll work out that with the league.
I can’t get into all that.” Despite the slap, Kelce himself remained composed, appealing to the referees rather than reacting angrily.
Tart’s Social Media Response
Adding a controversial twist, Tart later poked fun at the incident on social media.
After receiving messages from Taylor Swift fans upset about his behavior, Tart reposted a famous Dave Chappelle skit depicting Rick James slapping Charlie Murphy, along with two laughing emojis, clearly referencing his hit on Kelce.
He continued the jest by sharing game photos on Instagram with the caption: “I’m too swift with it even in Brazil…” – a playful nod to the international setting of the match and the slap itself.
NFL Officials Explain the Decision
During the broadcast of the game, analysts clarified why Tart remained on the field.
NFL officiating expert Walt Anderson explained: “Because it was an open-hand contact to the head, that was not disqualifying action.
On this one, they felt it was just an open hand blow to the head, not a closed fist, not a punch, and they did not disqualify in this case.”
Game Outcome and What’s Next
Despite a late rally from the Chiefs, the Chargers held on to win 27-21 in the season opener.
Kansas City now faces a tough rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday, while Tart and the Chargers turn their attention to a divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The incident may have raised eyebrows, but it also set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive NFL season.