The NFL opener on Thursday night saw an ejection right as the game was getting underway. Many NFL fans were waiting for a second ejection in two nights as Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart struck Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the third quarter of the game on Friday.
Tart was charged with a big penalty in the game for the Chiefs, but was allowed to stay in the game.
That left many curious as to why he was not removed from the game and allowed back in. A long-time NFL official, Terry McAulay, discussed the situation and gave a great explanation on why he was not disqualified.
https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1964151249957183968
McAulay went on record:
“According to Walt Anderson, they said because it was an open hand contact to the head, that was not a disqualifying action.”
While the rule book is one that many common fans do not understand, this seemed like a punch, but according to the NFL, it is more of a slap, and that is not something that can cause an ejection. Regardless, much like Thursday night’s ejection, it was an action that caused the team an unfortunate situation.
Ironically, Tart staying in the game was a big deal, as he was able to get that exact “open hand” on a Mahomes pass that would have led to the two-point conversion to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter.
The two-point conversion came on a Travis Kelce touchdown, which was his first of the season, and just his second reception.
The Kansas City Chiefs head home and host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, while the Los Angeles Chargers are on the road for another game, this time with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
