NFL Decision on Punishment for Travis Kelce Hit Draws Controversy
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was rocked by a strike from Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart in Friday’s season opener, the kind of hit that normally leads to an ejection.
But Tart was given only a 15-yard penalty for his strike to Kelce’s facemask, a decision that has sparked some controversy. Tart played the remainder of the game as the Chargers hounded Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, going on to win 27-21, even though many fans thought he should have been ejected.
NFL Rules Analyst Explains Decision
During the YouTube broadcast of Friday’s game, NFL rules analyst Terry McAulay explained that Tart may have gotten away with the hit because he used an open fist instead of a closed one.
“According to (NFL officiating and rules analyst) Walt Anderson, they said because it was an open hand contact to the head that was not a disqualifying action,” McAulay said, via The Athletic. “On this one, they felt that 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.”
Not everyone was buying the explanation. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote that the league’s own interpretation of the rule should have led to an ejection for Tart. Florio noted that the NFL makes no distinction on whether strikes are delivered with an open fist or a closed one, only that they led to automatic ejections.
“The open-hand/closed-fist distinction simply isn’t in the rulebook. The only question when a player strikes an opponent is whether the action was flagrant,” Florio wrote.
“There’s only one small problem with this. It sure as hell looked flagrant,” he added. “So here’s the real question. Given the emphasis on sportsmanship and respect for the opponent, why didn’t Tart’s flagrant blow to Kelce’s head, open-handed or not, trigger an ejection?”
As Florio noted, the decision to allow Tart to stay in the game had a direct impact on the final outcome. He later tipped a two-point conversion pass that, if completed, would have tied the game at 20.
Chargers Lineman Could Still Face League Consequences
While he avoided ejection, Tart could still face monetary punishment from the NFL. The league regularly issues fines to players for plays that either didn’t draw a penalty flag or an ejection.
As The Athletic’s Jayna Bardahl pointed out, the league has become stricter on unsportsmanlike penalties.
“The decision caught attention as the NFL has said it is cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct this season,” Bardahl wrote. “In Thursday’s season opener, Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected before the first play of the game after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.”
Friday’s game involved more controversy for the Chiefs after Mahomes laid a hit on Chargers cornerback Dante Jackson at the end of a third-quarter run. Mahomes was a step from the sidelines when he made the hit, with Jackson appearing to ease up and not hit the Chiefs quarterback.
The play drew some pushback from fans who pointed out that defenders have been flagged for hitting Mahomes so close to the sideline in the past, while the Chiefs quarterback was not penalized for hitting Jackson.
Patriots’ Will Campbell earns encouraging Maxx Crosby endorsement after tough debut
Despite a tough debut that left fans questioning his early performance, New England Patriots rookie Will Campbell has received a powerful vote of confidence from one of the league’s top defenders. Maxx Crosby, the star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, praised Campbell’s potential after their matchup, offering words of encouragement that could serve as a game-changer for the young player’s career.
“I’ve seen the potential in Will,” Crosby said after the game. “He’s got what it takes to succeed at this level. It’s not easy to step onto the field as a rookie, but I see a lot of heart, determination, and talent in him. He’s only going to get better.”
Campbell, who struggled at times during his first professional game, showed resilience in the face of adversity. While the debut wasn’t perfect, Crosby’s endorsement speaks volumes about the rookie’s character and the belief that his growth is just beginning. “It’s all about learning from those tough moments and coming back stronger,” Crosby added. “The greats go through the struggles and come out on the other side better. Will is on that path.”
Campbell’s performance was closely watched, as expectations were high for the former college standout. However, despite the challenges he faced in his debut, the rookie maintained a level of poise that impressed Crosby and many others around the league.
“The kid’s got grit,” Crosby said. “It’s not about one game. It’s about how you bounce back, and I have no doubt Will is going to rise to the occasion.”
With Crosby’s endorsement ringing in his ears, Campbell is more motivated than ever to prove that he has what it takes to be a key player for the Patriots. His rookie journey may have started with struggles, but with the right mindset and support, Campbell is poised to make a powerful impact in the coming weeks and seasons.
For the Patriots, this rookie could be the future cornerstone of their defense, and with a respected veteran like Crosby backing him, Campbell’s confidence is sure to soar.
